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Dysregulation of long noncoding RNA MEG3 and NLRC5 expressions in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple
Shahram Torkamandi1, Shima Bahrami2, Tahereh Ghorashi2
1Department of Medical Genetics and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
Abstract:
Long noncoding RNA MEG3 and NLRC5 genes are both involved in the immune system and the regulation of NLRC5 by MEG3 is documented in rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, we intended to evaluate the association between the expressions of MEG3 and NLRC5 in multiple sclerosis (MS). Forty relapsing and remitting MS (RRMS) patients (20 in each group) and twenty healthy individuals were enrolled. The expression level of MEG3 and NLRC5 was assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Sub-group analysis demonstrated that the expression level of MEG3 is reduced in the relapse patient group compared to remission and healthy groups (p < 0.001). The expression level of NLRC5 was higher in whole patients compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, a negative correlation was observed between the expression of these two genes (r = -0.73, p < 0.0001). To conclude, our findings showed the dysregulation of MEG3 and NLRC5 expressions in RRMS patients. Also, the converse association of MEG3 and NLRC5 reflects that the role of MEG3 in MS development is probably mediated by modulation of NLRC5.
Insights
Long noncoding RNA MEG3 and NLRC5 gene expressions are dysregulated in multiple sclerosis (MS). Their inverse correlation suggests MEG3 may modulate NLRC5 in MS pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Long noncoding RNA MEG3 and NLRC5 are key immune regulators.
- MEG3's regulation of NLRC5 is known in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves immune dysregulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between MEG3 and NLRC5 gene expression in MS patients.
- To explore the potential regulatory role of MEG3 on NLRC5 in the context of MS.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression analysis of MEG3 and NLRC5 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
- Comparison of expression levels between relapsing-remitting MS patients (in relapse and remission) and healthy controls.
- Correlation analysis between MEG3 and NLRC5 expression levels.
Main Results:
- MEG3 expression was significantly reduced in MS patients during relapse compared to remission and healthy groups.
- NLRC5 expression was elevated in MS patients overall compared to healthy controls.
- A significant negative correlation was found between MEG3 and NLRC5 expression (r = -0.73, p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- MEG3 and NLRC5 expression is dysregulated in relapsing-remitting MS.
- The inverse association suggests MEG3 may influence MS development through NLRC5 modulation.
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