Evaluation of GAS8-AS1 Long Non-coding RNA Expression and GAS8 Target Gene in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

The expression of the growth arrest specific 8 (GAS8) and its naturally occurring anti-sense RNA (GAS8-AS1) have been assessed in tumoral tissues of different origins. However, their association with immune-related disorders has been poorly understood. In the current study, we evaluated expression levels of these genes in 50 relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients compared to the age and sex matched healthy controls. Expression assays were performed on peripheral blood samples of study participants. Total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were performed using blood samples. Then assay was performed using TaqMan (Real Time PCR) technique by designing specific primers and probes sequences. Expression of both genes was significantly higher compared to controls (P=0.001 and P<0.0001, respectively). The difference in GAS8 expression was also significant in total female patients and females aged less than 50 years compared to the corresponding controls (P=0.002 and 0.006 respectively). GAS8-AS1 expression was higher in male patients in both age-based subgroups compared to the corresponding healthy subjects (P<0.0001). Expression of both genes was inversely related to the age of male participants, but this relationship was observed in none of the subgroups. The current study shows the significance of GAS8 and GAS8-AS1 in the pathogenesis of MS and the putative role of GAS8-AS1 as a diagnostic biomarker in a subset of patients.