MicroRNA involvement in lupus:  the beginning of a new tale.
OBJECTIVE
The contributions of microRNA (miRNA) to pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are beginning to be uncovered. In this review, we discuss the major progress made in understanding of miRNA biology, as well as novel insights into SLE pathogenesis mediated by miRNAs.


RESULTS
MiRNA biogenesis is a deliberately controlled process, which requires multiple layers of regulation involving participation of various protein regulators and posttranscriptional modifications. Its expression regulation is critically modulated by multiple physiopathological factors such as inflammation, stress, Epstein-Barr virus infection and sex hormones. MiRNAs play a crucial role in maintaining immune system development and function, and are implicated in development of numerous immunological disorders. Unique miRNA expression signatures in SLE reveal their clinical relevance. MiRNAs contribute broadly and actively to various aspects of SLE pathogenesis and hold great therapeutic potential.


CONCLUSIONS
The recent findings underscore the potential importance of miRNAs to pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of SLE.
Joint Molecular Rheumatology Laboratory of Institute of Health Sciences and Shanghai Renji Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
Dong
D
Liang
Nan
N
Shen
D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000235:genetics; D019175:DNA Methylation; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000378:metabolism; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
D007370:Interferon Type I; C542542:MIRN146 microRNA, human; D035683:MicroRNAs