MicroRNAs as Big Regulators of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cell Proliferation, Differentiation and Migration: A Potential Treatment for Stroke

Background: Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs)-based treatment is a potential therapeutic approach for stroke. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been recently verified as promoters or suppressors in the regulation of NSPCs. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating cell biological behaviors of NSPCs remain largely unknown. Methods: we retrieved papers focusing on potential roles and mechanisms of miRNAs in the regulation of NSPCs, and paid a special attention to clinical therapeutic potentials of miRNAs in stroke patients. This narrative review provides a comprehensive and critical landscape of this issue. Results: We summarize the most recent studies on the roles and mechanisms of miRNAs in regulating the proliferation, differentiation and migration of NSPCs and fully discuss the potential clinical implications of miRNAs interacting with NSPCs in stroke patients. Conclusion: Promising but full of hurdles, miRNAs have been confirmed to play a critical role in regulating NSPCs. Clinical potentials of miRNAs are huge in treating stroke patients receiving NSPCs-based therapy, which can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis, and as targets for controlling the proliferation, differentiation and migration of NSPCs.