Dysregulation of microRNA Expression and Function Contributes to the Etiology of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are members of a large class of non–protein-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules that represent a significant, but until recently unappreciated, layer of cellular regulation. Assessment of the generation and function of miRNAs suggests that these ncRNAs are vulnerable to interference from genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. A small but rapidly expanding body of studies using a variety of animal- and cell culture–based experimental models also has shown that miRNAs are important targets of alcohol during fetal development and that their dysregulation likely plays a significant role in the etiology of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Accordingly, an analysis of the regulation and function of these miRNAs may yield important clues to the management of FASD.