title: MicroRNAs Regulating Signaling Pathways: Potential Biomarkers in Systemic Sclerosis.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
authors.forename: Yisha
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
authors.forename: Muyao
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China. Electronic address: susanzuo@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Xiaoxia
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zuo
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000235:genetics*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000235:genetics*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers; D035683:MicroRNAs; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta
keywords: MicroRNA; Microvascular endothelial cell; Signaling pathway; Systemic sclerosis; TGF-β; Toll-like receptor