Regulatory RNAs in the brain

Nervous system is characterized by its uniqueness in cells origin, their variability, electrical properties of the nervous cell membrane, response to external signals, neuronal network and changes in synapses activity that are the basis of higher brain functions, such as learning and memory. Brain is a superior organ of human body with an extremely efficient regulation system. Apart from protein and small-molecule regulators, ribonucleic acids (RNAs), especially noncoding proteins (ncRNAs), play a crucial controlling role in the brain. They are present in every cell, from bacteria to primates and have regulatory, catalytic as well as structural function. Many specific ncRNAs have been identified in human brain, responsible for development and functioning. Disturbances in ncRNA synthesis and mechanism of action are connected to diseases such as autism, schizophrenia, Alzheimer disease, Prader-Willi syndrome and others.