Trna-Derived Small Noncoding Rnas: Roles In Brain Aging And Neurodegenerative Disorders
For a long time, tiny pieces of genetic material called transfer RNA-derived small RNAs, or tsRNAs, were thought to be mere cellular debris. However, recent research has unveiled their significant roles in maintaining brain health and their involvement in age-related brain decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS.
These small molecules are far from inactive; they act as key regulators of how our genes are expressed (turned on or off), influence epigenetic changes (modifications that affect gene activity without altering the DNA sequence), and help cells respond to stress. In the brain, tsRNAs are vital for the proper functioning of synapses (the connections between brain cells), the survival of neurons (brain cells), and managing neuroinflammation (inflammation within the brain).
Scientists have observed that the levels and types of these tsRNAs change dramatically as the brain ages and in the presence of neurodegenerative diseases. This dynamic alteration suggests that they are not just bystanders but active participants in these processes. Understanding their mechanisms could open new avenues for identifying early indicators of disease (biomarkers) and developing new treatments (therapeutic targets) for these challenging neurological disorders.
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