Association between miRNA-146a and polymorphisms of its target gene, IRAK1, regarding susceptibility to and clinical features of systemic lupus erythematous and multiple sclerosis

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNA-146a (miRNA-146a) can be associated with the development of immune-system dysfunctions.The aim of this work is to correlate SNPs of miRNA-146a and its target gene, IRAK1, with susceptibility, clinical manifestations, and diseases progression in patients with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Genotyping for miRNA-146a (rs2910164) and its target gene IRAK1 (rs3027898) was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 80 patients with SLE and 70 patients with MS, as well as 120 healthy control individuals. A statistically significant difference was found between the frequencies of the genotypes and alleles of miRNA-146a (rs2910164) and IRAK1 (rs3027898), compared with the control group. Also, whereas the mutant allele G of miRNA-146a may be a factor in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis, the mutant allele C of IRAK1 may play a role in lupus arthritis. Both genes may contribute to the susceptibility of patients to SLE and MS.