The Underexploited Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Lysosomal Storage Diseases

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2016 Sep 21:7:133. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00133. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a functional class of RNA involved in the regulation of several cellular processes which may modulate disease onset, progression, and prognosis. Lysosomal storage diseases (LSD) are a group of rare disorders caused by mutations of genes encoding specific hydrolases or non-enzymatic proteins, characterized by a wide spectrum of manifestations. The alteration of ncRNA levels is well established in several human diseases such as cancer and auto-immune disorders; however, there is a lack of information focused on the role of ncRNA in rare diseases. Recent reports related to changes in ncRNA expression and its consequences on LSD physiopathology show us the importance to keep advancing in this field. This article will summarize recent findings and provide key points for further studies on LSD and ncRNA association.

Keywords: lysosomal storage disease; lysosome; miRNA; non-coding RNA; siRNA.