The downstream effects of miRNA suppression on protein levels and, ultimately, behavioral and cognitive processes, is highly dependent on the specific target mRNAs for each miRNA. Notably, many of the miRNAs target genes altered by alcohol and stress are involved in cell proliferation and apoptotic pathways, including regulation of the Notch and Bax signaling, neurodevelopment, cognitive function, the stress response, hormonal regulation, and brain pathologies (Franklin et al., 2010; Guo et al., 2012; Laufer et al., 2013; Stringer et al., 2013; Tal et al., 2012; Zucchi et al., 2013). Altered levels of miRNAs have been found in individuals with psychiatric illnesses including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (Hunsberger et al., 2009; Miller and Wahlestedt, 2010; Moreau et al., 2011), suggesting miRNA disruption is another avenue through which prenatal stress or alcohol exposure could alter behavior and mental health outcomes.
