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Decoding the non-coding RNAs in Alzheimer’s disease

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Abstract

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are integral components of biological networks with fundamental roles in regulating gene expression. They can integrate sequence information from the DNA code, epigenetic regulation and functions of multimeric protein complexes to potentially determine the epigenetic status and transcriptional network in any given cell. Humans potentially contain more ncRNAs than any other species, especially in the brain, where they may well play a significant role in human development and cognitive ability. This review discusses their emerging role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a human pathological condition characterized by the progressive impairment of cognitive functions. We discuss the complexity of the ncRNA world and how this is reflected in the regulation of the amyloid precursor protein and Tau, two proteins with central functions in AD. By understanding this intricate regulatory network, there is hope for a better understanding of disease mechanisms and ultimately developing diagnostic and therapeutic tools.

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Acknowledgments

This work has been supported by the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and the Australian Research Council (ARC).

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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  1. Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI), Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia

    Nicole Schonrock

  2. St. Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia

    Nicole Schonrock

  3. Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia Campus, QLD, 4072, Australia

    Jürgen Götz

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Schonrock, N., Götz, J. Decoding the non-coding RNAs in Alzheimer’s disease. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 69, 3543–3559 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-012-1125-z

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