Determination of miRNA Expression Levels Involved in WNT Signaling Pathway in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Abstract

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune central nervous system disease characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and axon damage. Recent studies have shown that the WNT signaling pathway is a negative factor in the myelination process. miRNAs are non-protein-coding RNAs that play a role in processes such as cell development, differentiation, proliferation, and cell death by repressing target genes. As with many pathways, miRNAs are also effective in regulating the WNT signaling pathway. In our study, the expression levels of miRNAs (miR-145, miR-301b, miR214, miR-190a, miR-1304) targeting genes involved in the WNT signaling pathway were examined. Our study was carried out in order to comprehend the relationship between MS and the WNT signaling pathway, to contribute to the clinic and the literature in elucidating the etiology of MS, and determining treatment strategies with the results to be obtained. Methods: Blood samples were taken from patients with MS (17) included in our study during both attack and remission periods. Blood samples were taken from the control group (16) participating in the study, and the expression levels of miRNAs included in our study were quantitatively analyzed using the RT-PCR method. Results: When compared with the control group, no statistically significant difference was observed in terms of fold increase values in the miRNA levels (miR-145, miR-301b, miR-214, miR-190a ve miR-1304) of the MS attack period, while statistically significant differences (respectively; p=0.010, p=0.023, p=0.002, p=0.006, p=0.003) were found in terms of fold increase values of all miRNA levels in the remission period. Considering the medications used by the patients and the number of attacks, there was no statistically significant difference in miRNA expression levels. Conclusion: In our study, it was deduced that miRNA expression levels, which are effective in the WNT signaling pathway, may play a role in elucidating the clinical course and genetic mechanism of MS, particularly during the remission period.

Keywords

• miRNA
• multiple sclerosis
• WNT signaling pathway

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