Sjögren’s syndrome: novel insights from proteomics and miRNA expression analysis

Abstract

IntroductionSjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease, which affects the exocrine glands leading to glandular dysfunction and, particularly, symptoms of oral and ocular dryness. The aetiology of SS remains unclear, and the disease lacks distinctive clinical features. The current diagnostic work-up is complex, invasive and often time-consuming. Thus, there is an emerging need for identifying disease-specific and, ideally, non-invasive immunological and molecular biomarkers that can simplify the diagnostic process, allow stratification of patients, and assist in monitoring the disease course and outcome of therapeutic intervention in SS.MethodsThis systematic review addresses the use of proteomics and miRNA-expression profile analyses in this regard.Results and discussionOut of 272 papers that were identified and 108 reviewed, a total of 42 papers on proteomics and 23 papers on miRNA analyses in saliva, blood and salivary gland tissue were included in this review. Overall, the proteomic and miRNA studies revealed considerable variations with regard to candidate biomarker proteins and miRNAs, most likely due to variation in sample size, processing and analytical methods, but also reflecting the complexity of SS and patient heterogeneity. However, interesting novel knowledge has emerged and further validation is needed to confirm their potential role as biomarkers in SS.

Advances in Sjögren’s Syndrome Dry Eye Diagnostics: Biomarkers and Biomolecules beyond Clinical Symptoms

“…There remains a complexity in diagnosing Sjögren's syndrome due to its array of signs and symptoms that often overlap with other inflammatory diseases [39]. Current diagnostic tools such as serum antibody testing often yield high rates of false negative results [40] and are time consuming [41]. The diagnosis of SS can be delayed by as much as 6.5 years from symptom onset, leading to inappropriate disease management and the emergence of complications [42].…”

Challenges and promise of targeting miRNA in rheumatic diseases: a computational approach to identify miRNA association with cell types, cytokines, and disease mechanisms

“…In these publications, miRNA expression analysis was performed on plasma, serum, or PMBCs. The authors reported heterogeneity in the reviewed publications on the number and type of differentially expressed miRNAs ( 127 ). In our search results, miR-125 was mentioned with the term “therapy” twice.…”

B-Cell Activation Biomarkers in Salivary Glands Are Related to Lymphomagenesis in Primary Sjögren’s Disease: A Pilot Monocentric Exploratory Study

“…Novel insights have been acquired regarding genetic and epigenetic pathways supporting and perpetuating—together with environmental factors—chronic inflammation in primary Sjögren’s disease patients [ 8 ]. Concerning epigenetic mechanisms, it is becoming progressively evident that their ability to regulate gene expression may play a key role in autoimmune disorders [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. One model of epigenetic control is exerted by microRNAs (miRNAs), which are small noncoding RNAs capable of binding to the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs), leading to repression of post-transcriptional genes.…”

“…One model of epigenetic control is exerted by microRNAs (miRNAs), which are small noncoding RNAs capable of binding to the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs), leading to repression of post-transcriptional genes. It is well-established that miRNAs have a crucial role in the regulation of multiple molecular pathways involved in the development, differentiation, and apoptosis of immune cells, including B-cells [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Consequently, a variety of studies have been conducted in an effort to investigate the aberrant expression of miRNAs in rheumatic diseases as well as in cancer in humans, paving the way for new possible therapeutic targets [ 14 ].…”