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Serum MicroRNA Signature as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Marker in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis
Sarah M Wade1, Trudy McGarry1, Siobhan C Wade2
1S.M. Wade, PhD, T. McGarry, PhD, U. Fearon, PhD, Molecular Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, and Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatic Disease, St. Vincent's University Hospital, and University College Dublin.
Objective:
MicroRNA (miRNA) are small endogenous regulatory RNA molecules that have emerged as potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers in autoimmunity. Here, we investigated serum miRNA levels in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and further assessed a serum miRNA signature in therapeutic responder versus nonresponder PsA patients.
Methods:
Serum samples were collected from healthy controls (HC; n = 20) and PsA patients (n = 31), and clinical demographics were obtained. To examine circulatory miRNA in serum from HC and PsA patients, a focused immunology miRNA panel was analyzed utilizing a miRNA Fireplex assay (FirePlex Bioworks Inc.). MiRNA expression was further assessed in responders versus nonresponders according to the European League Against Rheumatism response criteria.
Results:
Six miRNA (miR-221-3p, miR-130a-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-151-5p, miR-26a-5p, and miR-21-5p) were significantly higher in PsA compared to HC (all P < 0.05), with high specificity and sensitivity determined by receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. Analysis of responder versus nonresponders demonstrated higher baseline levels of miR-221-3p, miR-130a-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-151-5p, and miR-26a-5p were associated with therapeutic response.
Conclusion:
This study identified a 6-serum microRNA signature that could be attractive candidates as noninvasive markers for PsA and may help to elucidate the disease pathogenesis.
Insights
This study found six serum microRNAs (miRNAs) are elevated in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients. Higher levels of five specific miRNAs indicate a better response to therapy, suggesting potential biomarkers for PsA.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulatory RNA molecules implicated in autoimmune diseases.
- Serum miRNA levels are being explored as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in autoimmunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum miRNA levels in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
- To identify a serum miRNA signature differentiating therapeutic responders from nonresponders in PsA.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from healthy controls (n=20) and PsA patients (n=31).
- A focused immunology miRNA panel was analyzed using a miRNA Fireplex assay.
- MiRNA expression was compared between PsA patients and healthy controls, and between therapeutic responders and nonresponders.
Main Results:
- Six miRNAs (miR-221-3p, miR-130a-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-151-5p, miR-26a-5p, miR-21-5p) were significantly elevated in PsA patients compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05).
- Higher baseline levels of five miRNAs (miR-221-3p, miR-130a-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-151-5p, miR-26a-5p) were associated with a positive therapeutic response in PsA patients.
Conclusions:
- A signature of six serum miRNAs can distinguish PsA patients from healthy controls.
- This miRNA signature may serve as a noninvasive biomarker for PsA and predict therapeutic response, aiding in understanding disease pathogenesis.
