Emerging roles of non-coding RNAs in psoriasis pathogenesis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a complex genetic skin disorder typically manifested by red, scaly, and itchy plaques most commonly over the scalp, trunk, elbows, and knees. Histopathological features include thickening of the epidermal layer due to hyper-proliferation and abnormal differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes along with infiltration of immune cells in the psoriatic skin. It is a chronic inflammatory relapsing disease, and there is currently no permanent cure for psoriasis. Proper medications can reduce the severity of the disease and improve the quality of life of the patients. While the genetic components of psoriasis pathogenesis are well explored, the full understanding of its epigenetic component remains elusive. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are documented to regulate various epigenetic processes that lead to the pathogenesis of different diseases including psoriasis. In this review, we have discussed the molecular interplay of different ncRNAs in psoriasis pathogenesis. The roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in psoriasis are pretty well studied, whereas the roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging. This review provides ideas covering some of the latest findings of different modes of functions played by those different ncRNAs documented in the literature. As an ever-evolving topic, some works are still ongoing as well as there are several fields that need rigorous scientific ventures. We have proposed the areas which claim more explorations to better understand the roles played by the ncRNAs in psoriasis pathogenesis.

Keywords: Circular RNA; Keratinocyte; Long noncoding RNA; MicroRNA; Piwi-interacting RNA; Psoriasis.