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Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
MicroRNAs in gray and white matter multiple sclerosis lesions: impact on pathophysiology
Sarah Teuber-Hanselmann1, Edgar Meinl2, Andreas Junker1
1Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the CNS, hallmarked by inflammation and demyelination. Early stages of the disease frequently show active lesions containing numerous foamy macrophages and inflammatory cells. Disease progression is highlighted by increasing numbers of mixed active/inactive or inactive lesions showing sparse inflammation and pronounced astrogliosis. Furthermore, gray matter lesions increase in number and extent during disease progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) comprise a group of several thousand (in humans more than 2000), small non-coding RNA molecules with a fundamental influence on about one-third of all protein-coding genes. Furthermore, miRNAs have been detected in body fluids, including spinal fluid, and they are assumed to participate in intercellular communications. Several studies have determined miRNA profiles from dissected white and gray matter lesions of autoptic MS patients. In this review, we summarize in detail the current knowledge of individual miRNAs in gray and white matter lesions of MS patients and present the concepts of MS tissue lesion development based on the altered miRNA profiles. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small molecules that regulate gene expression and are altered in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. Understanding these miRNA profiles offers insights into CNS disease progression and lesion development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system (CNS) disease characterized by inflammation and demyelination.
- MS lesions evolve from active inflammatory sites to inactive lesions with significant astrogliosis, affecting both white and gray matter.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression, are implicated in cellular communication and disease processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize current knowledge on individual miRNAs within gray and white matter lesions of MS patients.
- To present concepts of MS tissue lesion development informed by altered miRNA profiles.
- To highlight the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on miRNA expression in MS lesions.
- Analysis of miRNA profiles from autoptic MS patient tissue samples (white and gray matter lesions).
- Integration of miRNA data with pathological observations of lesion development.
Main Results:
- Specific miRNA expression patterns are associated with different types of MS lesions (active, inactive, mixed).
- Alterations in miRNA profiles correlate with disease progression and the transition of lesion characteristics.
- miRNAs are detected in CNS tissue and body fluids, suggesting a role in intercellular communication within the CNS.
Conclusions:
- Altered miRNA profiles in MS lesions provide crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying CNS inflammation and demyelination.
- Understanding miRNA dysregulation is key to elucidating the pathogenesis and progression of multiple sclerosis.
- miRNAs represent potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for MS.
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