Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2026, Vol. 21 ›› Issue (2): 636-647.doi: 10.4103/NRR.NRR-D-24-00963

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Novel insights into non-coding RNAs and their role in hydrocephalus

Zhiyue Cui1, 2, 3, 4, #, Jian He5, #, An Li2, 3, 4, Junqiang Wang2, 3, 4, Yijian Yang2, 3, 4, Kaiyue Wang2, 3, 4, Zhikun Liu2, 3, 4, Qian Ouyang2, 3, 4, 6, Zhangjie Su7 , Pingsheng Hu1, *, Gelei Xiao2, 3, 4, *   

  1. 1 Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China;  2 Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China;  3 Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China;  4 National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China;  5 Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China;  6 Department of Neurosurgery, Zhuzhou Hospital, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, China;  7 Department of Neurosurgery, Addenbrooke ’s Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK
  • Online:2026-02-15 Published:2025-05-22
  • Contact: Gelei Xiao, PhD, xiaogelei@csu.edu.cn; Pingsheng Hu, MD, hupingsheng@hnca.org.cn.
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Nos. 82171347, 82371362; the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province, No. 2022JJ30971; the Scientific Research Project of Hunan Provincial Health Commission of China, No. 202204040024 (all to GX).

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Abstract: A large body of evidence has highlighted the role of non-coding RNAs in neurodevelopment and neuroinflammation. This evidence has led to increasing speculation that non-coding RNAs may be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hydrocephalus, one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide. In this review, we first outline the basic concepts and incidence of hydrocephalus along with the limitations of existing treatments for this condition. Then, we outline the definition, classification, and biological role of non-coding RNAs. Subsequently, we analyze the roles of non-coding RNAs in the formation of hydrocephalus in detail. Specifically, we have focused on the potential significance of non-coding RNAs in the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus, including glymphatic pathways, neuroinflammatory processes, and neurological dysplasia, on the basis of the existing evidence. Lastly, we review the potential of non-coding RNAs as biomarkers of hydrocephalus and for the creation of innovative treatments.

Key words: hydrocephalus, neurodevelopment, neuroinflammation, non-coding RNA, therapeutic target