Unveiling RNA Dysfunction: A Key Player in Neurodegeneration

The complexity of higher organisms is reflected by the tight regulation at the DNA, RNA and protein levels. A well-choreographed RNA metabolism regulates various aspects of the cellular function. In the past few decades, RNA metabolism has gained attention in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, since the underlying cause of a number of disorders is disturbed RNA processing. Alteration in RNA metabolism affects not only the proteins that are encoded by the RNA but also interaction between various proteins and RNAs. The homeostasis maintained by coding and non-coding RNAs along with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) is crucial for the maintenance of normal cellular physiology. Various non-coding RNAs like microRNA and long non-coding RNAs have been implicated in human disease. In addition, the correct spatio-temporal localization, stability and translation of RNA and RNA-binding proteins are critical for performing highly complex function by the neuronal cells. Here, we describe some of the possible misregulation in RNA processing events by diverse non-coding RNAs that results in neurodegenerative disorders. Both loss-of-function and gain-of-function of the RNA or RBPs are observed in the RNA-mediated pathogenesis. In this chapter, we have highlighted the role of disrupted RNA metabolism primarily in neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis along with other disorders.