MicroRNA (miRNA): Sequence and stability, viroid-like properties, and disease association in the CNS

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a relatively recently-discovered class of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) that are gaining considerable attention in the molecular-genetic regulatory mechanisms that contribute to human health and disease. As highly 'soluble and mobile entities, emerging evidence indicates that miRNAs posess a highly selected ribonucleotide sequence structure, are part of an evolutionary ancient genetic signaling system, resemble the plant pathogens known as viroids in their structure, mode of generation and function, and are very abundant in the physiological fluids that surround cells and tissues. Persistence and altered abundance of miRNAs in the extracellular fluid (ECF) or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may play a role in the intercellular spreading of disease systemically, and throughout functionally-linked cellular and tissue systems such as the central nervous system (CNS). This short communication will review some of the more fascinating features of these highly structured single stranded RNAs (ssRNAs) with emphasis on their presence and function in the human CNS, with particular reference to Alzheimer's disease (AD) wherever possible. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled RNA Metabolism 2013. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.