MicroRNAs as Diagnostic and Therapeutic Targets in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic devastating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which is reported to be the most common neuroinflammatory disorder of the young adults. Although the underlying etiology of MS is not completely elucidated, the number of patients and burden to societies increases worldwide. There are several CNS disorders that might have overlapping phenotypic manifestations with MS; therefore, reliable and accessible diagnostic test is highly desirable for differential diagnosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs that are proven to be master regulators of gene expression. Recently, several studies have shown potential roles for miRNAs in development, hemostasis and maturation of immune system, suggesting possible involvement of these regulatory elements in autoimmune diseases, such as MS. We reviewed recent literature to explore miRNAs that are reported to be involved in pathogenesis of MS and found some miRNAs that might have potentials as being diagnostic biomarkers.