Investigating melanogenesis-related microRNAs as disease biomarkers in vitiligo

Abstract

Vitiligo is considered a disabling disease that affects physical, social, psychological, and occupational aspects of an individual's quality of life. The search for non-invasive and reliable biomarkers for vitiligo's early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment prediction is under intensive investigation. There is currently an emerging interest in employing miRNAs as biomarkers to predict vitiligo diagnosis and prognosis, inspired by the well-preserved nature of miRNAs in serum or plasma. In the current study, we assessed a panel of 20 melanogenesis pathway-related microRNAs (miRNAs) using quantitative real-time PCR technique in 85 non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) patients compared to 85 normal controls followed by function and pathway enrichment analysis for the miRNAs with significant results. Twelve out of the 20 circulating miRNAs showed significantly higher expression levels in vitiligo patients relative to controls where miR-423 show the highest expression level followed by miR-182, miR-106a, miR-23b, miR-9, miR-124, miR-130a, miR-203a, miR-181, miR-152, and miR-320a. While six miRNAs (miR-224, miR-148a, miR-137, and miR-7, miR-148b, miR-145, miR-374b, and miR-196b) didn’t show significant expression level. The analysis of the receiver operating curve indicated that miR-423, miR-106a, and miR-182 were outstanding biomarkers with the highest areas under the curve in vitiligo. This study is the first Egyptian study to investigate a panel of miRNAs expression profile in the plasma of patients with NSV. Our results suggest that specific circulating miRNAs signature might be implicated in vitiligo pathogenesis and could potentially be used as biomarkers in vitiligo.

Expression Signature of Immune-Related MicroRNAs in Autoimmune Skin Disease: Psoriasis and Vitiligo Insights

“…The expression level of miRNA-181a has been shown to be increased in PBMCs from active NSGV patients [ 44 ]. This is consistent with our current and previous findings in vitiligo patients [ 52 ], where it is the fifth highest expressed miRNA in vitiligo (Log 2 FC 2.4), is inversely correlated with obesity and disease duration, and is of excellent discrimination value in autoimmune skin disease (AUC 0.848).…”

Precision Dermatology: A Review of Molecular Biomarkers and Personalized Therapies

“…MicroRNA (miRNAs) are short, noncoding RNAs involved in gene regulation. 12 specific miRNAs, involved in melanogenesis (miR-423, miR-182, miR-106a, miR-23b, miR-9, miR-124, miR-130a, miR-203a, miR-181, miR-152, and miR-320a) were identified as markers of disease presence, with miR-423 having the strongest association [54]. Additional studies outside of our search support these findings [55,56].…”

Combination of 308‐nm excimer laser and piperine promotes melanocyte proliferation, migration, and melanin content production via the miR‐328/SFRP1 axis

“…At present, people are more and more interested in using miRNA as a biomarker to predict the diagnosis and prognosis of vitiligo. 41 In patients with vitiligo, there are some miRNA with abnormal expression. Sahoo et al determined the importance of miR-211 to melanocyte biology and the development of vitiligo.…”

“…MiRNA occupies a place among the genetic factors that may be related to the pathogenesis of vitiligo. At present, people are more and more interested in using miRNA as a biomarker to predict the diagnosis and prognosis of vitiligo 41 . In patients with vitiligo, there are some miRNA with abnormal expression.…”