-
Views
-
Cite
Cite
Analysis of small RNA molecules in childhood atopic dermatitis reveals a role for miR‐451a, British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 184, Issue 3, 1 March 2021, Page e88, https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.19765
Close - Share Icon Share
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (also known as atopic eczema) is the most common persistent inflammatory disease of early childhood, affecting more than 20% of children in developed countries. It causes extremely itchy skin and has a very significant impact on the quality of life of affected children and their families. It is caused by a combination of environmental factors and changes in the skin and immune system; however, the exact mechanisms behind the development of the disease are not fully understood.
MicroRNAs are small pieces of genetic material that play a crucial role in a vast number of biological processes (ways things work within the body) because of their ability to alter the activity of the genes they target. In recent years there has been great interest in the potential of microRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers (indicators of a biological process), as well as predictors of drug response, meaning how well a drug works for a patient.
However, little is known about microRNAs in atopic dermatitis in children. The major goal of this work, based at the National Children’s Research Centre, Dublin, Ireland, was to identify unique disease‐related microRNAs that might allow early diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in children.
Using state‐of‐the‐art genetic techniques, we investigated levels of microRNAs in different components of blood taken from children with atopic dermatitis and compared them with the levels in healthy children during their first year of life. We identified unique microRNAs associated with atopic dermatitis in children. We showed that a specific microRNA, named microRNA‐451a, may serve as an efficient tool to allow diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in children.
We identified a unique miRNA signature in infants with atopic dermatitis. MicroR‐451a may serve as a promising indicator, easily obtainable from a blood sample, to diagnose the disease and may help to identify babies at risk at an earlier stage, allowing for intervention very early in life.
Linked Article: Nousbeck et al. Br J Dermatol 2021; 184:514–523.
