Neurological Disorders

Multiple classes of ncRNAs are highly represented in the nervous system emphasizing the likelihood that nervous system development and function is heavily dependent on RNA regulatory networks, and alterations of these networks may result in neurological diseases. Indeed, specific ncRNAs have been implicated in various neurological disorders¹.

These molecules strongly influence gene expression, particularly in the brain where they are thought to be involved in both neurodevelopment and in the regulation of synaptic structure and function².

Increasing evidence highlights the functions of miRNAs participating in the underlying molecular mechanism in neurological diseases such as temporal lobe epilepsy³.

• Establishing a model system to study the role of noncoding RNAs in the etiology of autism¹
• Characterizing trans effects of SNP variants associated with psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia
• Identifying specific microRNA signature characteristic for schizophrenia²

• Understand the role of microRNAs in the molecular mechanisms of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE)³
• Identifying microRNAs integral to innate immune or inflammatory brain cell responses in prion-mediated infections and disease
• Characterizing epigenetic alterations that contribute to the complex Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) phenotype

Cell–cell communication is critical for regulating the immune response in traumatic brain injury, and recent studies show that miRNA carried within extracellular vesicles can trigger inflammatory responses and neuronal damage through pattern-recognition receptors¹.

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disabilities in the general population worldwide and neurogenesis is associated with functional recovery after stroke. Recent studies demonstrated that miRNAs significantly regulated neural progenitor cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation suggesting a role in neurogenesis.²

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. Studies have revealed that large scale chromosomal imbalances result in dysregulated miRNAs which have a functional role in neuroblastoma pathogenesis and tumorigenicity³.

• Revealing a new mechanism of cell–cell communication not previously described in traumatic brain injury (TBI)¹
• Investigating the role of miRNAs in mediating adult neurogenesis under physiological and ischemic conditions²
• Understanding the mechanisms of neuroprotection stimulated by focal cerebral ischemia

• Developing a new therapeutic tool to prevent the blood–brain barrier dysfunction in neuroinflammation
• Developing novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of neuroblastoma.³
• Identifying novel biomarkers and molecular mechanisms for RDX-induced neurological disorder and neurotoxicity