Prediction of probable impact of miR-۳۴a and miR-۲۱۵ on differentiation of naive CD۴+ T cells to Th۱۷ cells in multiple sclerosis

Background and aims: miRNAs, as a class of non-coding RNAs, take part in different cellular processes. Dysregulation of different miRNAshas been reported in numerous disorders to date. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease with high prevalence in Iran and Th۱۷cells play an important role in its pathogenesis. In the current study, we aimed to predict the possible role of miR-۳۴a and miR-۲۱۵ in theprocess of controlling Th۱۷ differentiation, and hence, their possible impact on the onset and progression of MS.Methods: We investigated probable interactions of miRNAs and genes that participate in Th۱۷ cells differentiation using miRwalk databaseas an integrative one which utilizes ۱۰ different algorithms to predict miRNA-mRNA interaction.Results: Based on our findings, miR-۳۴a and miR-۲۱۵ were predicted to have a potential role in the induction of Th۱۷ cells differentiation.Conclusion: Conclusively, miR-۳۴a and miR-۲۱۵ may up-regulate Th۱۷ cells of MS patients. Since bioinformatics data have shown thatthese miRNAs suppress negative regulatory genes in Th۱۷ cells differentiation, we suppose that down-regulation of these miRNAs couldameliorate MS symptoms. Therefore, several therapeutic approaches may be considered for these miRNAs besides their application asvaluable prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers in detection of various stages of MS.

Keywords:

Multiple sclerosis , miRNA , Th۱۷ cells