MicroRNA expression in beta-Thalassemia and sickle cell disease: a role in the induction of fetal hemoglobin

ABSTRACT

Today the regulatory role of microRNAs [miRs] is well characterized in many diverse cellular processes. MiR-based regulation is categorized under epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. These small non-coding RNAs participate in producing and maturing erythrocytes, expressing hematopoietic factors and regulating expression of globin genes by post-transcriptional gene silencing. The changes in expression of miRs [miR-144/-320/-451/-503] in thalassemic/sickle cells compared with normal erythrocytes may cause clinical severity. According to the suppressive effects of certain miRs [miR-15a/-16-1/-23a/-26b/-27a/-451] on a number of transcription factors [myeloblastosis oncogene [MYB], B-cell lymphoma 11A [BCL11A], GATA1, Krüppel-like factor 3 [KLF3] and specificity protein 1 [Sp1]] during beta globin gene expression, It has been possible to increasing ? globin gene expression and fetal hemoglobin [HbF] production. Therefore, this strategy can be used as a novel therapy in infusing HbF and improving clinical complications of patients with hemoglobinopathies