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Updated: Mar 9, 2026
Detection of MicroRNAs in Microglia by Real-time PCR in Normal CNS and During Neuroinflammation
Published on: July 23, 2012
miRNAs in cerebrospinal fluid identify patients with MS and specifically those with lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM
Ester Quintana1, Francisco José Ortega2, René Robles-Cedeño1
1Girona Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit (UNIEM), Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital and Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain/Red Española de Esclerosis Múltiple (REEM), Madrid, Spain.
Background:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate cellular processes by controlling protein translation and mRNA degradation.
Objective:
We aimed to explore the miRNA signature of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients versus controls and the possibility that patients with lipid-specific oligolconal IgM bands (LS_OCMB), a predictor of a more severe disease course, may have a distinct profile.
Methods:
An extensive profile of 754 miRNAs was evaluated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 14 women using TaqMan low-density arrays. Differentially expressed miRNAs together with others previously identified in the literature were validated in an extended sample of 86 MS patients (39 LS_OCMB+) and 55 controls.
Results:
We detected higher levels of miR-150 in MS patients and especially in those with LS_OCMB+. Other miRNAs (miR-328, miR-30a-5p and miR-645) were up-regulated in MS patients compared to controls while miR-21, miR-199a-3p, miR-191, miR-365, miR-106a and miR-146a showed down-regulated expression. Considering only patients with LS_OCMB+, we also detected up-regulation of miR-30a-5p, miR-150 and miR-645 and down-regulation of miR-191 compared to controls.
Conclusion:
Our study confirms the recent findings regarding the deregulated expression of miR-150 not only with MS but also with the presence of LS_OCMB. This study highlights the potential utility of miRNAs in CSF as biomarkers for MS.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key biomarkers for multiple sclerosis (MS). This study found specific miRNA signatures in MS patients, particularly those with lipid-specific oligolconal IgM bands (LS_OCMB), indicating potential for diagnostic use.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression.
- Dysregulation of miRNAs is implicated in various neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify a unique miRNA signature in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- To investigate if MS patients with lipid-specific oligolconal IgM bands (LS_OCMB), a marker of severe disease, exhibit a distinct miRNA profile.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive miRNA profiling of 754 miRNAs in CSF using TaqMan low-density arrays.
- Validation of differentially expressed miRNAs in a larger cohort of MS patients (n=86) and controls (n=55), including LS_OCMB+ subgroup.
Main Results:
- Elevated miR-150 levels were observed in MS patients, particularly in the LS_OCMB+ group.
- Several other miRNAs (miR-328, miR-30a-5p, miR-645) were upregulated, while others (miR-21, miR-199a-3p, miR-191, miR-365, miR-106a, miR-146a) were downregulated in MS patients compared to controls.
- Specific miRNAs (miR-30a-5p, miR-150, miR-645) were upregulated and miR-191 downregulated in LS_OCMB+ patients versus controls.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms miR-150 dysregulation in MS and its association with LS_OCMB.
- These findings underscore the potential of CSF miRNAs as valuable biomarkers for MS diagnosis and prognosis.
