MicroRNAs associated with the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is not only an autoimmune disease in which autoreactive immune cells against myelin damage axons and nerves in the central nervous system, but also a neurodegenerative disease, in which progressive loss of structure and function of neurons occurs. The mechanisms of MS pathogenesis have not been fully understood. It has been reported that miRNAs may play a critical role in MS pathogenesis. In this review, we have extensively discussed the alterations in the expression of miRNAs detected in patients with MS. The dysregulated miRNAs have been shown to be associated with the pathogenesis of MS. We suggest that such dysregulated miRNAs may potentially be used as biomarkers in the diagnosis of MS, to discover new therapeutic targets for MS treatment, and to predict prognostic markers in responses to MS treatment.