The Role of mRNA Alternative Processing in Mammalian Neurodevelopment

The mammalian brain undergoes a series of orderly developmental events, including neurogenesis, neuronal migration, axon guidance, and synaptic connection. These neurodevelopmental mechanisms have traditionally been characterized through studies focused on transcriptional control; however, a growing body of evidence highlights the critical roles of co- or post-transcriptional steps like alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation, and RNA chemical modification in orchestrating brain development. This review discusses the recent progress made toward understanding the influence of alternative mRNA processing on neurodevelopment, including three aspects: the key mRNA processing events that drive neuronal differentiation from stem/progenitor cells; the regulatory mechanisms that govern cell-type and stage-specific mRNA-processing patterns; and the neuropathological consequences of mRNA-processing dysregulation. By integrating these insights, we aim to deepen the understanding of how mRNA alternative processing influences neurodevelopment and its implications for neurological health.