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Plasmatic microRNA as Potential Biomarkers of Multiple Sclerosis: Literature Review
Magdalena J Kacperska1, Jakub Walenczak2, Bartłomiej Tomasik3
1Department of Neurology and Stroke, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
Abstract:
There is ongoing research with the goal of finding precise and sensitive biomarkers of multiple sclerosis (MS). Recently, researchers have paid particular attention to small, non-encoding, single stranded endogenous microRNA molecules (miR, miRNA). At first these molecules were thought to be found only within the cell. Today it is known, however, that they can also be found in the extracellular spaces (plasma, serum, saliva, urine, tears, sweat, milk, sperm and amniotic fluid, among others). It has been established that extracellular miRNA perform a wide spectrum of functions, such as transmitting signals between cells, modulating processes involved in angiogenesis, neurogenesis, proliferation or apoptosis. Given the high stability of these small molecules in the extracellular compartment (plasma), their tissue specificity and strong ties with pathological processes underlying multiple sclerosis, miRNA seem to be a good target for researchers trying to discover diseases' new markers. Determining an accurate miRNA expression profile in MS and correlating it with the gene profile may lead to the discovery of new pathophysiological processes. Demonstrating that changes in the composition and concentration of extracellular miRNA may in some cases correlate with certain aspects of the underlying disease (such as its severity) could lead to their use as biomarkers of MS. Further research is needed.
Insights
Researchers are exploring microRNA (miRNA) as potential biomarkers for multiple sclerosis (MS). These stable molecules found in extracellular fluids show promise for diagnosing MS and understanding its progression.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research seeks sensitive diagnostic biomarkers.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules, are increasingly studied for their biological roles.
- Extracellular miRNAs are found in various bodily fluids and play roles in cell signaling and biological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
- To explore the correlation between miRNA expression profiles and MS pathophysiology.
- To assess the utility of miRNAs in monitoring MS disease severity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of extracellular miRNA expression profiles in MS patients.
- Correlation of miRNA expression with gene expression data.
- Investigation of miRNA stability and tissue specificity in extracellular compartments like plasma.
Main Results:
- Extracellular miRNAs exhibit high stability in plasma.
- miRNAs show tissue specificity and are linked to pathological processes in MS.
- Changes in extracellular miRNA concentration may correlate with MS disease aspects, including severity.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular miRNAs hold significant potential as sensitive and specific biomarkers for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
- Profiling miRNA expression in MS could reveal novel pathophysiological mechanisms.
- Further research is warranted to validate miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic tools for MS.
