Author/Authors :
Sanati , Mohammad Hossein Medical Genetic Department -National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology - Tehran, Iran , Ataei , Mitra Medical Genetic Department -National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology - Tehran, Iran , Falahati , Kowsar Medical Genetic Department -National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology - Tehran, Iran , Sohan Forooshan Moghadam , Atefeh Department of Biology - Nourdanesh Institute of Higher Education - Meymeh - Isfahan, Iran , Arabzadeh , Ghazaleh Department of Biology - Nourdanesh Institute of Higher Education - Meymeh - Isfahan, Iran , Roshani , Fatemeh Department of Biology - Nourdanesh Institute of Higher Education - Meymeh - Isfahan, Iran
Abstract :
In multiple sclerosis (MS), the immune system acts against myelin lesions of the central nervous
system, destroying neuronal fibers resulting in signal transmission disturbances in the nervous system.
MicroRNAs play important roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and in the regulation
of disease activity and its response to treatment. The goal of this study was to determine the role of miR-18a-5p
by comparing its expression in MS patients and healthy subjects.
Methods: RNA was isolated from blood samples of 32 MS patients and 32 healthy individuals, and miR-
18a-5p expression was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR).
Results: miR-18a-5p expression was significantly less in MS patients than in healthy subjects.
Conclusions: The reduction of miR-18a-5p expression may be via pathway signaling. Altered signaling
plays an important role in MS pathogenesis and the miR-18a-5p expression profile in blood cells can be
described as a prognostic biomarker and identifier of high-risk individuals in MS.
