MicroRNA-128 Governs Neuronal Excitability and Motor Behavior in Mice.
Tan, Chan Lek 1,*; Plotkin, Joshua L. 2; Veno, Morten T. 3; von Schimmelmann, Melanie 1,4; Feinberg, Philip 1,4; Mann, Silas 1,4; Handler, Annie 1; Kjems, Jorgen 3; Surmeier, James D. 2; O'Carroll, Donal 5,6; Greengard, Paul 1; Schaefer, Anne 1,4,+
[Report] Science. 342(6163):1254-1258, December 6, 2013.

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: The control of motor behavior in animals and humans requires constant adaptation of neuronal networks to signals of various types and strengths. We found that microRNA-128 (miR-128), which is expressed in adult neurons, regulates motor behavior by modulating neuronal signaling networks and excitability. miR-128 governs motor activity by suppressing the expression of various ion channels and signaling components of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase ERK2 network that regulate neuronal excitability. In mice, a reduction of miR-128 expression in postnatal neurons causes increased motor activity and fatal epilepsy. Overexpression of miR-128 attenuates neuronal responsiveness, suppresses motor activity, and alleviates motor abnormalities associated with Parkinson's-like disease and seizures in mice. These data suggest a therapeutic potential for miR-128 in the treatment of epilepsy and movement disorders.

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