The Role of MicroRNAs in Multiple Sclerosis

MS is a chronic inflammatory disease of the CNS, the pathogenesis associated with miRNAs, which also serve as effective therapeutic targets in MS patients.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are complex endogenous biomolecules that function as gene super-regulators. This review was published in the journal International Reviews of Immunology and discusses altered miRNA expression patterns in MS patients and miRNA-controlled cellular signaling pathways.

Some miRNAs stimulate pro-inflammatory mechanisms, while other miRNAs mediate tissue repair mechanisms. This makes them important biomarkers for diagnosing and treating MS patients. Deregulation of miRNAs is associated with the abnormal biological activity of blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which threatens the body’s homeostasis and mediates the development of autoimmune diseases, including MS. Altered miRNA levels in T-cells (CD4+ and CD8+) contribute to the risk for development of MS. Regulation of miRNA tends to improve the monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of MS. Similarly, altered miRNA levels of B-cells correlate with changes in T-cell modulation and cytokine expression.

In addition to intracellular miRNA processing, miRNAs are also detected in body fluids, making them a diagnostic marker for a number of conditions such as MS. Serum and plasma are semi-invasive body fluid samples often used to detect and study miRNAs. The miRNA profile of CSF is particularly useful for the evaluation of MS. In the CSF, miR-150 is a biomarker for early-stage MS diagnosis. Altered miRNA levels are present in the white matter lesions (WML) of individuals with MS. The relevant miRNAs can serve as effective therapeutic targets for reducing lesion activity in MS.
Altered expression of miRNAs is also associated with blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption in MS. Impaired integrity of the BBB is related to reduced transmigration of monocytes and increased efflux of the immune cells. miRNA can serve as therapeutic targets for the improvement of BBB integrity.
Natalizumab has positive effects on MS patients as it regulates the levels of different miRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of MS. The side effects of natalizumab therapy include the development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Interferon-ß has neuroprotective effects in MS patients by several mechanisms, including altered gene expression of different miRNAs. Glatiramer acetate modulates the immune system, attenuates MS disease, and serves as a first-line treatment of MS. However, it does not have a significant regulatory effect on the alteration of miRNAs. Fingolimod is another useful drug that has a neuroprotective role in MS and alters the miRNA levels.
Reference
Mansoor, S. R., Ghasemi-Kasman, M., & Yavarpour-Bali, H. (2022). The role of microRNAs in multiple sclerosis. International Reviews of Immunology, 41(2), 57-71. https://doi.org/10.1080/08830185.2020.1826474

Most Recent

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular Risk Management

Noninvasive Imaging Aids Selection of Stenosis Patients Needing Revascularization Procedure

CT fractional flow reserve analysis safely cuts rates of invasive procedures without compromising safety Computed tomography fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) improves assessment of vessel blockages and reduces the number of stenosis patients referred for invasive revascularization procedures, according to a study published online April 4 in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging. Mangun K. Randhawa, M.D., from Massachusetts General...

Oncology

Thyroid Cancer

GLP1 Receptor Agonist Use Does Not Seem to Increase Risk for Thyroid Cancer

No increased risk for thyroid cancer seen with use of GLP1 receptor agonist versus DPP4 inhibitor use, SGLT2 inhibitor use Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) receptor agonist use does not appear to be associated with an increased risk for thyroid cancer, according to a study published online April 10 in The BMJ. Björn Pasternak, M.D., Ph.D., from...

Breast Cancer

OBGYN & Women's Health

Oncology

Mortality Up for Breast Cancer Diagnosed Five to <10 Years After Childbirth

Increased risk for all-cause mortality seen with postpartum young-onset breast cancer in women with germline BRCA pathogenic variants Young-onset breast cancer (YOBC) with germline BRCA pathogenic variants (PVs) is associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality if diagnosed within 10 years after childbirth, according to a study published online April 19 in JAMA Network Open. Zhenzhen Zhang,...