Bioquímica e Bioquímica Analítica

Abstrato

MicroRNAs as Novel Biomarkers in IBD: Characterization and Current Status

Marisa Iborra, Ines Moret and Belen Beltran

The pathophysiology of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has been intensively investigated but is still unknown. The theory that IBD is the result of an inadequate activation of the immune system to a luminal factor occurring in genetically predisposed subjects is the most widely accepted to date. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs which regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level and are involved in the regulation of many biological processes, as well as in the induction of several cancers, chronic inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases. The currently evidence has demonstrated that miRNAs are differentially expressed in diverse circumstances of the IBD course. These molecules open a new opportunity to employ as a non-invasive biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis and follow up. Knowing the role of miRNA in IBD will improve our knowledge of the pathogenesis. In addition, the development of miRNA-based therapeutics technologies supposes a qualitative advance in the management of IBD.