The Role of Long Non- Coding RNAs in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory neurological disease with unknown etiology that causes demyelination and axonal damage through the activation of the immune system and entry of leukocytes into the CNS. Although various genetic and environmental factors have been proposed for the initiation and progression of MS, exact mechanisms that cause this disorder are not known. In recent years, the role of non- coding RNAs (ncRNA) has been extensively investigated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including CNS disorders. A subgroup of ncRNAs that have a length of more than 200 nucleotides is called long non- coding RNAs or lncRNAs. The Discovery of lncRNAs and their role in gene expression regulation has opened a new area of research in cell biology as well as in studies that focus on disease mechanisms. Several investigations have suggested that lncRNAs regulate immune cells and immunological processes, including those affecting CNS disorders. This review article is focused on the role of lncRNA in the pathogenesis of MS.

lncRNAs regulate gene expression and cellular functions, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. lncRNAs are important players in human health and disease. They are also involved in the activation and functioning of innate and adaptive immune cells and hence in immune- related disorders. Understanding the type and function of lncRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of MS can promote the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.