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 microR...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. Elu- cidation 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.展开更多
基金supported by Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.12JJ3106)Hunan Development and Reform Commission of China(Grant No.[2012]1493)Central South University of China(Grant No.2012QNZT106)
文摘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. Elu- cidation 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.
