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Exosomal microRNAs as Early Transition Biomarkers from Recurrent-Remissive to Secondary Progressive Multiple
Oana Mosora1,2, Smaranda Maier2,3, Doina Manu4
1Doctoral School, "George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease that affects young adults, leading to neurological disability. Regardless of the studies and the research involved in developing an efficient disease-modifying therapy (DMT), relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) will transition to a progressive multiple sclerosis phenotype. The moment of transition from RRMS to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is difficult to predict, and the diagnosis is based on the accumulation of disabilities in the evolution of the disease. Research on microRNAs' (miRNAs) role in MS began in the early 2000s, with miR-155 frequently cited for its link to blood-brain barrier dysfunction and neurodegeneration, making it an early transition biomarker from RRMS to SPMS. The purpose of this review is to reveal the importance of finding a biomarker from the molecular field that will be able to identify the transition phase so patients can receive high-efficacy treatments and to cease the clinical progression.
Insights
Identifying biomarkers for multiple sclerosis (MS) progression is crucial. This review highlights microRNAs, like miR-155, as potential indicators for the transition from relapsing-remitting MS to secondary progressive MS, enabling earlier treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated neurological disease impacting young adults.
- Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) often progresses to secondary progressive MS (SPMS), a transition difficult to predict clinically.
- Current diagnosis of SPMS relies on accumulated disability, often after significant disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the need for molecular biomarkers to identify the RRMS to SPMS transition phase.
- To facilitate earlier intervention with high-efficacy treatments.
- To potentially halt or slow clinical disease progression.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research on microRNAs (miRNAs) in multiple sclerosis.
- Focus on specific miRNAs, such as miR-155, implicated in MS pathogenesis.
- Analysis of miRNA roles in blood-brain barrier integrity and neurodegeneration.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs, particularly miR-155, show potential as early biomarkers for MS progression.
- miR-155 is linked to key pathological features including blood-brain barrier dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
- This miRNA may serve as an indicator for the transition from RRMS to SPMS.
Conclusions:
- Identifying a reliable molecular biomarker is essential for predicting MS progression.
- Early detection of the RRMS to SPMS transition can lead to timely and effective therapeutic strategies.
- Further research into miRNAs like miR-155 could revolutionize MS management.
