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Genetic polymorphisms altering microRNA activity in psoriasis--a key to solve the puzzle of missing heritability?

Andor Pivarcsi1, Mona Ståhle, Enikő Sonkoly

  • 1Unit of Dermatology and Venerology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Experimental Dermatology
|June 12, 2014
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression involved in psoriasis pathogenesis. Genetic variations in miRNAs may significantly contribute to this chronic immune-mediated skin disease.

Area of Science:

  • Immunodermatology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin disease characterized by an imbalance between immune cells and keratinocytes.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs that control gene expression and cellular functions, impacting inflammatory responses.
  • Dysregulated miRNA expression is observed in psoriasis, affecting keratinocyte and T-cell functions and immune cell crosstalk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the emerging roles of miRNAs in psoriasis.
  • To investigate the potential contribution of genetic polymorphisms in miRNAs to psoriasis susceptibility and pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • This viewpoint essay synthesizes current research on miRNA function in psoriasis.
  • It discusses the impact of genetic variants in miRNA genes and their target binding sites on miRNA activity.
  • The essay reviews the role of miRNAs in regulating immune cell differentiation, proliferation, survival, and keratinocyte crosstalk.

Main Results:

  • miRNAs regulate critical cellular processes in psoriasis, including keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation, T-cell activation, and immune cell communication.
  • Genetic polymorphisms within miRNA genes or their target sites can alter miRNA activity.
  • These genetic variations may influence an individual's susceptibility to developing psoriasis.

Conclusions:

  • Changes in miRNA-mediated gene regulation are likely major contributors to the immune dysregulation seen in psoriasis.
  • Genetic polymorphisms affecting miRNA activity represent a significant, yet largely unexplored, factor in psoriasis pathogenesis.
  • Further research into miRNA genetics is crucial for understanding psoriasis development and potentially identifying new therapeutic targets.
Keywords:
autoimmune diseasesgenome-wide association studiesisomiRnon-coding RNAsingle nucleotide polymorphismsskin inflammation

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