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Published on: February 6, 2017
Familial Mediterranean fever and microRNAs
1Sivas University of Science and Technology, Sivas, Türkiye.
Abstract:
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited disorder caused by the gain of function mutations in MEFV (MEditerranean FeVer) gene loci. FMF affects more than 100,000 people worldwide and generally seen in the eastern Mediterranean region and causes the lifelong diseases which have a significant effect on the patient's life quality and health systems. The identification of low penetrant or heterozygous MEFV gene mutations in clinically diagnosed FMF patients was considered that epigenetic or environmental factors may display a role in FMF pathogenesis. Epigenetics might be defined as heritable changes that affect gene expression without any changes in the genome. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the main group of small noncoding RNAs, and an important element of epigenetic mechanisms and their discoveries revolutionized our knowledge about biological processes, such as malignant, infectious and autoimmune mechanisms, and contributed to the development of the epigenetic areas. In this review, the studies focusing on the roles of miRNAs in FMF pathogenesis in the last decades were examined and the importance of miRNAs as therapeutic agents which are promising for diagnosis and treatment was discussed.
Insights
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an inherited disease linked to MEFV gene mutations. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are explored for their role in FMF pathogenesis and potential as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an inherited autoinflammatory disorder caused by MEFV gene mutations, affecting over 100,000 people globally.
- The disease significantly impacts patient quality of life and healthcare systems, with varying penetrance suggesting additional contributing factors.
- Epigenetic modifications, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), are increasingly recognized for their role in gene expression regulation and disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF).
- To discuss the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for FMF diagnosis.
- To explore the therapeutic implications of miRNAs in managing FMF.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies published in recent decades.
- Analysis of research investigating the role of miRNAs in FMF pathogenesis.
- Examination of studies evaluating miRNAs for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in FMF.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests that miRNAs play a significant role in the epigenetic regulation underlying FMF.
- Specific miRNAs have been identified as potential regulators of MEFV gene expression in FMF patients.
- miRNAs show promise as non-invasive biomarkers for FMF diagnosis and as targets for novel therapies.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are crucial epigenetic regulators implicated in the pathogenesis of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF).
- Further research into miRNA profiles could lead to improved diagnostic tools and targeted therapeutic strategies for FMF.
- miRNAs represent a promising avenue for advancing FMF management and patient outcomes.
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