MiR326: A Potent Biomarker in Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis(MS), the most common demyelinating disease, is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). It is associated with various degrees of disability such as mobility problems and encounters the society with high costs of treatment. According to statistics, about 2.3 million people are suffering from MS, globally. Early diagnosis and treatment of MS is proved to bringsignificant benefits for patients. The etiology of this illness is complicated, but it is believed that abnormal inflammatory responses, especially by certain types of T cells initiate tissue damage in MS. MicroRNAs (MiRNAs), are short, noncoding RNAs which play key roles in cellular regulation and mRNA expression, have been established evidence to be promising candidates for treatment, diagnosis and prognosis of different types of diseases. There is evidence that expression of special kinds of miRNAs such as miR326 increases in exosomes derived from conventional T cells (Tconv)which mediates underlying mechanisms in patients with MS. MiR326 was formerly found to have a remarkablefunction in immunopathogenesis of MS due to its role in T-helper 17 (TH17), a unique CD4+ T-cell subset characterized by production of interleukin-17 (IL- 17), differentiation and maturation. These changes in miR326 levels are also easily detectible in patient’sblood; as a result, it can be used as a reliable biomarker in early detection of MS. Taken together, we assume that by meticulous observation of miR326 level in blood, we can detect MS in early stages. Conclusion: Furthermore, extracellular vesicles that carry suppressors which targetmiR326 expression in Tconv can be used as a novel way to restrict the MS progression.