Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI), Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia.
Cell Mol Life Sci. 2012 Nov;69(21):3543-59. doi: 10.1007/s00018-012-1125-z. Epub 2012 Sep 6.
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.
非编码 RNA（ncRNAs）是生物网络的组成部分，在调节基因表达方面具有重要作用。它们可以整合来自 DNA 编码、表观遗传调控和多聚体蛋白复合物功能的序列信息，从而有可能决定给定细胞中的表观遗传状态和转录网络。人类可能比任何其他物种都含有更多的 ncRNAs，尤其是在大脑中，它们在人类的发育和认知能力中可能发挥着重要作用。本综述讨论了它们在阿尔茨海默病（AD）中的新作用，AD 是一种以认知功能逐渐受损为特征的人类病理状况。我们讨论了 ncRNA 世界的复杂性，以及这种复杂性如何反映在淀粉样前体蛋白和 Tau 的调节中，这两种蛋白在 AD 中具有核心功能。通过了解这个复杂的调控网络，有望更好地了解疾病机制，并最终开发出诊断和治疗工具。
