Role of micro RNAs in theRegulation of α-Synuclein Expression: A Systematic Review

Growing evidence suggests that increased levels of alpha-synuclein might contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and therefore, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms underlying alpha-synuclein expression. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression involved in several diseases such as PD and other neurodegenerative disorders. A systematic literature search was performed here to identify microRNAs that directly or indirectly impact in alpha-synuclein expression/accumulation and describe its mechanism of action. A total of 27 studies were incorporated in the review article showing evidences that six microRNAs directly bind and regulate alpha-synuclein expression while several miRNAs impact on alpha-synuclein expression indirectly by targeting other genes. In turn, alpha-synuclein overexpression also impacts miRNAs expression, indicating the complex network between miRNAs and alpha-synuclein. From the current knowledge on the central role of alpha-synuclein in PD pathogenesis/progression, miRNAs are likely to play a crucial role at different stages of PD and might potentially be considered as new PD therapeutic approaches.