The Role of microRNA in the Pathogenesis of Schizophrenia

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNA molecules that act as highly potent post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Over past decades, miRNAs were found to modulate brain development and brain function. Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex and severe psychiatric disorder and both genetic and environmental risk factors are implicated in SCZ. Recent studies have identified that dysregulation of miRNAs expression contributes to the pathogenesis of SCZ.

Identification of SCZ- related miRNAs may be potential biomarkers in the diagnosis and more efficient therapies of SCZ. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent findings of the SCZ-associated dysregulation of miRNAs.