MicroRNAs and autism spectrum disorder: small tools for a complex disorder

Abstract

The autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a complex group of neural development disorders that are characterized by deficiencies in social interaction, communication, and motor skills of individuals. ASD has an impact on public health, so it would be very useful to have biomarkers that allow early identification of the disorder. In this sense, microRNAs (miRNAs), which are regulators of a wide variety of cellular functions and whose alterations in their expression have been observed in individuals with ASD, are beginning to be considered as potential targets for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for these disorders. This review focuses on some studies about the participation of miRNAs in ASD in animal models, as well as in humans, and makes an approach to their possible use as biomarkers