The Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Non-coding RNAs, a group of ribonucleic acids that are ubiquitous in the body and do not encode proteins, emerge as important regulatory factors in almost all biological processes in the brain. Extensive studies have suggested the involvement of non-coding RNAs in brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders, and dysregulation of non-coding RNAs is associated with abnormal brain development and the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we provide an overview of the roles and working mechanisms of non-coding RNAs, and discuss potential clinical applications of non-coding RNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers and as therapeutic targets in neurodevelopmental disorders.