Psoriasis: the role of microRNAs ?

Introduction

• This article provides new potential molecular mechanisms providing interesting insights in the understanding of psoriasis.
• Cytokines and genetic findings constitute part of the findings in psoriasis and these have led to the development of the biologics.
• The following study talks about MicroRNAs

• miRNA are RNAs not translated into proteins:
  • their size is between 19-25 nucleotides
  • more than 10000 miRNA in humans
  • they regulate 30% of the coding of genes at the post-transcriptional level
  • they are highly conserved in evolution
  • they are necessary for functional and dysfunctional physiology of cells

Findings

• MicroRNA-146a limits inflammation and T -cell inflammation and miRNA-55 are pro-inflammatory
• In mice (knockouts vs wild-type (WT) the following was found:
  • in RNA-146a knockout mice we can find lymph node inflammation (structural disorganization) and psoriatic skin
  • increase in miRNA-55 in psoriatic skin
  • in MiRNA-146a Knockout mice, there is increased inflammation when topical imiquimod is applied.

Conclusions

• How about checking these findings; not only in psoriasis but also its comorbidities
• These findings provide a “fresh way” of understanding pathophysiological changes in psoriasis which could lead to new targeted therapies.

To read more about MicroRNAs, CLICK HERE

Role of microRNA-146a  and miRNA-55 imiquimod induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation. Hawks J. S025 residents and fellows symposium. AAD 2015 Annual Meeting, San Francisco CA – United States