Examination of microRNA as a biomarker in sarcoidosis uveitis

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K18833
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56060:Ophthalmology-related
• Research Institution: Yamagata University
• Principal Investigator: YUTAKA KANEKO 山形大学, 医学部, 講師 (60536952)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: サルコイドーシス / ぶどう膜炎 / microRNA

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive expression analysis of microRNA (miRNA) in blood in patients with sarcoidosis uveitis. Among the miRNAs whose expression levels were significantly changed, hsa-miR-155-5p, which is associated with inflammatory diseases, was significantly reduced in expression. Decreased expression of hsa-miR-155-5p may be associated with pro-inflammatory by enhancing the immune response of dendritic cells. On the other hand, it has also been reported that it has the opposite effect of suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNFα. Further studies are needed to show that this miRNA may be a biomarker in inflammatory activity and therapeutic response in patients with sarcoidosis uveitis.

Free Research Field

眼炎症疾患

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

サルコイドーシスぶどう膜炎患者の病態を反映するmiRNAを同定することができれば、それらをバイオマーカーとして用いることで、炎症活動性の評価や現在行なっている薬物治療に対する反応性を的確に把握することが可能となり、または治療の標的分子としても期待できる。その結果、今まで長期間にわたり薬剤を継続しなければならなかったサルコイドーシスぶどう膜炎患者において、局所的および全身的副作用が生じるリスクを減らし効率の良い治療を行うことが可能となる。