Review
MicroRNAs Regulating Signaling Pathways: Potential Biomarkers in Systemic Sclerosis

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gpb.2015.07.001Get rights and content
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Abstract

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem fibrotic and autoimmune disease. Both genetic and epigenetic elements mediate SSc pathophysiology. This review summarizes the role of one epigenetic element, known as microRNAs (miRNAs), involved in different signaling pathways of SSc pathogenesis. The expression of key components in transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway has been found to be regulated by miRNAs both upstream and downstream of TGF-β. We are specifically interested in the pathway components upstream of TGF-β, while miRNAs in other signaling pathways have not been extensively studied. The emerging role of miRNAs in vasculopathy of SSc suggests a promising new direction for future investigation. Elucidation of the regulatory role of miRNAs in the expression of signaling factors may facilitate the discovery of novel biomarkers in SSc and improve the understanding and treatment of this disease.

Keywords

MicroRNA
Systemic sclerosis
Signaling pathway
TGF-β
Microvascular endothelial cell
Toll-like receptor

Cited by (0)

Peer review under responsibility of Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Genetics Society of China.

a

ORCID: 0000-0001-8309-6631.

b

ORCID: 0000-0002-0103-1226.

c

ORCID: 0000-0003-1347-0848.

d

ORCID: 0000-0002-3928-9660.