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Updated: Apr 30, 2026
Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
Elevated circulating miR-150 and miR-342-3p in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Nicolaas H Fourie1, Ralph Michael Peace2, Sarah K Abey1
1Digestive Disorders Unit, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
Background And Aims:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs, which regulate gene expression and are thus of interest as diagnostic markers, and as clues to etiology and targets of intervention. This pilot study examined whether circulating miRNAs are differentially expressed in patients with IBS.
Methods:
miRNA microarrays (NanoString) were run on the whole blood of 43 participants.
Results:
hsa-miR-150 and hsa-miR-342-3p were found to be significantly elevated (FDR adjusted p≤0.05, ≥1.6 fold change) in IBS patients compared to healthy controls. Neither of these miRNAs showed any relationship to race or sex. hsa-miR-150 is associated with inflammatory bowel disorders and pain, and interacts with a protein kinase (AKT2) through which it may affect inflammatory pathways. hsa-miR-342-3p is predicted to interact with mRNAs involved in pain signaling, colonic motility, and smooth muscle function.
Conclusions:
This preliminary study reports the association of two miRNAs, detected in whole blood, with IBS. These miRNAs link to pain and inflammatory pathways both of which are thought to be dysregulated in IBS. Larger sample sizes are needed to confirm their importance and potential as biomarkers.
Insights
Two specific microRNAs (miRNAs) were found at higher levels in the blood of individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). These circulating miRNAs may serve as potential biomarkers for IBS diagnosis and understanding its underlying pain and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression.
- miRNAs are investigated as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) involves dysregulated gene expression, pain, and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differential expression of circulating miRNAs in IBS patients.
- To identify potential miRNA biomarkers for IBS.
- To explore the link between miRNAs, pain, and inflammation in IBS.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study involving 43 participants (IBS patients and healthy controls).
- Analysis of whole blood samples using miRNA microarrays (NanoString).
- Statistical analysis to identify significantly differentially expressed miRNAs.
Main Results:
- hsa-miR-150 and hsa-miR-342-3p were significantly elevated in IBS patients (FDR adjusted p≤0.05, ≥1.6 fold change).
- No association found between these miRNAs and race or sex.
- hsa-miR-150 is linked to inflammatory bowel disorders and pain via AKT2.
- hsa-miR-342-3p is predicted to interact with pain signaling and colonic motility pathways.
Conclusions:
- This preliminary study identifies two circulating miRNAs associated with IBS.
- These miRNAs implicate pain and inflammatory pathways in IBS pathophysiology.
- Larger studies are required to validate these findings and their biomarker potential.
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