Biological Significance of microRNA Biomarkers in ALS-Innocent Bystanders or Disease Culprits?

ABSTRACT: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent potential biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, whether expression changes of individual miRNAs are simply an indication of cellular dysfunction and degeneration, or actually promote functional changes in target gene expression relevant to disease pathogenesis, is unclear. Here we used bioinformatics to test the hypothesis that ALS-associated miRNAs exert their effects through targeting genes implicated in disease etiology. We documented deregulated miRNAs identified in studies of ALS patients, noting variations in participants, tissue samples, miRNA detection or quantification methods used, and functional or bioinformatic assessments (if performed). Despite lack of experimental standardization, overl

SUBMITTER: Foggin S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6579821 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature