Regulatory Triangle of Neurodegeneration, Adult Neurogenesis and MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a new class of RNA molecules which are short in length, less in number but play bigger role in regulation of cellular events. miRNAs keep cellular homeostasis in tight control by fine tuning expression of protein coding genes at post-transcriptional level. Neurogenesis and neurodegeneration are two complex processes which are regulated by dynamic expression of regulatory proteins like transcription factors and signaling proteins. Evidences are accumulating that expression of miRNAs play major role in fate determination of neuronal cells undergoing neurogenesis or neurodegeneration. Neurodegeneration either induced by genetic factors or environmental chemicals results in development of neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. With increasing acceptance of adult neurogenesis, it seems possible that inducing neurogenesis in adult brain can help in fighting with neurodegenerative disorders. Regulatory RNA molecules, like miRNAs are presenting them as potential therapeutic targets for inducing neurogenesis and controlling neurodegeneration. In the current review, we are exploring the link between neurodegeneration and adult neurogenesis regulation by focusing on miRNAs.