MicroRNA-21 in Skin Fibrosis: Potential for Diagnosis and Treatment

Mol Diagn Ther. 2017 Dec;21(6):633-642. doi: 10.1007/s40291-017-0294-8.

Abstract

Skin fibrosis is a common pathological process characterized by fibroblast proliferation and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. However, the pathogenesis of the disease is still not clear. Previous studies have shown that microRNA-21 may play pivotal roles in the regulation of a variety of skin fibrosis, including keloid, scleroderma, and hypertrophic scar. In this review, we outline the structure, expression, and regulation of microRNA-21 and its role in fibrotic skin diseases. In future, it may be useful as a prognostic or diagnostic marker. However, there is a significant amount of work required to increase our current understanding of the role of microRNA-21 in skin fibrosis.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / genetics
  • Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / pathology
  • Fibrosis / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Keloid / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / chemistry
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / genetics
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / pathology
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Skin Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Skin Diseases / therapy*

Substances

  • MIRN21 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs