Abstract: Mammalian genomes encode numerous natural antisense transcripts (NATs). These antisense transcripts are now recognized as an important component of molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of gene expression. NATs are particularly prevalent in the mammalian nervous system. The importance of NATs in the normal functioning of nervous system is becoming increasingly evident. They are not only involved in neuronal differentiation, myelination and ion channel regulation, but also in advanced cognitive processes, such as synapse plasticity and memory formation. This paper focuses on the potential involvement of NATs in various neurodegenerative disorders.

Key words: Nervous system diseases, RNA, Review

摘要： 天然反义转录物（NATs）在生物体内普遍存在。人们逐渐认识到NATs 具有重要作用，能够调控基因表达。NATs 在哺乳动物神经系统尤为普遍，其对神经系统正常生理功能有重要调节作用。NATs 不仅参与神经元分化、髓鞘形成和离子通道调控，还参与突触可塑性和学习记忆等高级认知功能。本文重点讨论NATs在神经系统疾病尤其是神经变性病发病机制中的作用。

关键词: 神经系统疾病, RNA, 综述