Long Non-Coding RNAs in Multiple Sclerosis-Differential Expression and Functional Implications.

Area of Science:

• Immunogenomics
• Molecular Biology
• Neuroimmunology

Background:

• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging regulators of immune responses.
• lncRNAs may have diagnostic and therapeutic potential in autoimmune diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
• Existing research on lncRNAs in MS is fragmented and geographically limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and evaluate studies on lncRNA expression in MS.
• To assess the consistency of findings across different studies.
• To synthesize the functional roles of frequently studied lncRNAs in MS.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 51 studies (2010-2024) using PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science).
• Included studies on adult MS with ≥20 participants, analyzing lncRNAs in biological samples via qRT-PCR, RNA-seq, or microarrays.

Main Results:

• Identified 77 unique lncRNAs, with MALAT1, GAS5, MEG3, and H19 showing consistent dysregulation in MS.
• Other lncRNAs (e.g., THRIL, IFNG-AS1) displayed context-dependent expression.
• Functional analysis implicated pathways like NF-κB, STAT3, and IFN-γ/Th1 signaling.

Conclusions:

• Reproducible and context-specific lncRNA dysregulation in MS is evident.
• Highlights the need for transcriptome-wide studies, standardized methods, and multi-center validation.
• Current research limitations include geographic bias, preselection bias, and methodological heterogeneity.