Context-dependent functions of specific microRNAs in neuronal development

Table 1 mRNA targets and functions of miR-9 in neuronal development and function

Functions	Species	Targets	References
Suppresses excess SOP production	D. melanogaster	Sens	[38, 55]
Promotes dendritic branching	D. melanogaster	?	[68]
Restricts the extent of MHB	Zebrafish	FGF8, FGFR1	[44]
Promotes neuronal differentiation near MHB	Zebrafish	Her5, Her9	[44]
Limits the generation of Cajal-Retzius cells	Rodent	Foxg1	[39]
Promotes neuronal differentiation from adult neural stem/progenitor cells	Rodent	TLX	[59]
Enhances alcohol tolerance in adult brains	Rodent	BK channels	[86]
Inhibits astroglial cell differentiation	Rodent	?	[58]
Promotes proliferation but limits migration of hESC-derived young hNPCs	Human	Stathmin	[40]
May contribute to neurodegenerative diseases	Human	NEFH, REST	[89, 90]

BK channel, large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium channel; FGF, fibroblast growth factor; FGFR, fibroblast growth factor receptor; Foxg1, forkhead box protein G1; hESC, human embryonic stem cell; hNPC, human neural progenitor cell; MHB, midbrain-hindbrain boundary; NEFH (neurofilament heavy polypeptide); REST, RE1 silencing transcription factor; SOP, sensory organ precursor; TLX, human homologue of the Drosophila tailless gene.

ISSN: 1749-8104