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Interactions between microRNAs and Transcription Factors in the Development and Function of the Nervous System

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Macro Roles for MicroRNAs in the Life and Death of Neurons

Part of the book series: Research and Perspectives in Neurosciences ((NEUROSCIENCE))

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Abstract

The formation and maturation of the nervous system requires precise control over the magnitude and timing of gene expression. MicroRNAs have emerged as potent regulators of translation, with roles ranging from the initial establishment of connectivity to activity-dependent refinement of the synapse. Many of the microRNA targets identified in the nervous system are themselves transcription factors, adding an additional layer of complexity in gene expression. Moreover, microRNAs and transcription factors are often embedded in feedback loops that reinforce changes in gene expression. These interactions lie at the heart of many cell fate decisions during the development of the nervous system. In addition, translational control of transcription factor abundance plays a prominent role in the regulation of retrograde signaling at neuromuscular synapses of both C. elegans and Drosophila.

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Acknowledgments

I thank Professor Joshua Kaplan for critical reading of this manuscript and for his support during my time in his laboratory.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches 7, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    David J. Simon

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  1. David J. Simon
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center Human Genetics, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven, 3000, Belgium

    Bart De Strooper

  2. Recherche Therapeutique, Fondation IPSEN pour la, quai George Gorse 65, Boulogne Billancourt Cedex, 92650, France

    Yves Christen

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Simon, D.J. (2010). Interactions between microRNAs and Transcription Factors in the Development and Function of the Nervous System. In: De Strooper, B., Christen, Y. (eds) Macro Roles for MicroRNAs in the Life and Death of Neurons. Research and Perspectives in Neurosciences. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-04298-0_3

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