Intricate gene regulatory programmes orchestrate both the development of the nervous system as well as experience-dependent adaptations that underlie higher cognitive functions. Very recently, non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) were discovered as an extensive new layer of gene regulation in nerv- ous system function and disease.

The Priority Programme aims at identifying the functionally relevant ncRNA-target interactions, the underlying molecular mechanisms of regulation and the causal links to major neurological diseases. The focus will be on recently “emerging” non-coding RNAs with a documented gene regulatory function (miRNAs, endo-siRNA, piRNAs, lincRNAs).