miRNA in systemic lupus erythematosus

Since their recent discovery, the small noncoding RNA known as microRNAs (miRNA) have been reported to play a major role in the physiological control of gene expression and in the pathogenesis of malignant, infectious, and autoimmune disorders. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of autoantibodies to multiple antigens, the role of miRNA as post-transcriptional regulators of different aspects of the disease process has recently emerged. This article reviews the pertinent literature and mechanisms of action of miRNA that have so far been associated with the pathogenesis of SLE. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.