MicroRNAs (
miRNAs) are small double-stranded RNAs that exert a fine-tuning sequence-specific regulation of cell transcriptome. While one unique
miRNA regulates hundreds of mRNAs, each
mRNA molecule is commonly regulated by various
miRNAs that bind to complementary sequences at 3'-untranslated regions for triggering the mechanism of RNA interference. Unfortunately, dysregulated
miRNAs play critical roles in many disorders, including
Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most prevalent
neurodegenerative disease in the world. Treatment of this slowly, progressive, and yet incurable pathology challenges neurologists. In addition to
L-DOPA that restores dopaminergic transmission and ameliorate motor signs (i.e.,
bradykinesia, rigidity,
tremors), patients commonly receive medication for
mood disorders and autonomic dysfunctions. However, the effectiveness of
L-DOPA declines over time, and the
L-DOPA-induced
dyskinesias commonly appear and become highly disabling. The discovery of more effective
therapies capable of slowing
disease progression -a
neuroprotective agent-remains a critical need in PD. The present review focus on
miRNAs as promising
drug targets for PD, examining their role in underlying mechanisms of the disease, the strategies for controlling aberrant expressions, and, finally, the current technologies for translating these small molecules from bench to clinics.