Novel HLA-DRB1 alleles contribute risk for disease susceptibility in primary biliary cholangitis

New insights on the role of human leukocyte antigen complex in primary biliary cholangitis

Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a rare autoimmune cholangiopathy. Genetic studies have shown that the strongest statistical association with PBC has been mapped in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus, a highly polymorphic area that mostly contribute to the genetic variance of the disease. Furthermore, PBC presents high variability throughout different population groups, which may explain the different geoepidemiology of the disease. A major role in defining HLA genetic contribution has been given by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) studies; more recently, new technologies have been developed to allow a deeper understanding. The study of the altered peptides transcribed by genetic alterations also allowed the development of novel therapeutic strategies in the context of immunotolerance. This review summarizes what is known about the immunogenetics of PBC with a focus on the HLA locus, the different distribution of HLA alleles worldwide, and how HLA modifications are associated with the pathogenesis of PBC. Novel therapeutic strategies are also outlined.

Long Noncoding RNA 00472: A Novel Biomarker in Human Diseases

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in human diseases. They control gene expression levels and influence various biological processes through multiple mechanisms. Functional abnormalities in lncRNAs are strongly associated with occurrence and development of various diseases. LINC00472, which is located on chromosome 6q13, is involved in several human diseases, particularly cancers of the breast, lung, liver, osteosarcoma, bladder, colorectal, ovarian, pancreatic and stomach. Importantly, LINC00472 can be used as a biomarker for breast cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutic regimens, including doxorubicin. LINC00472 is regulated by microRNAs and several signaling pathways. However, the significance of LINC00472 in human diseases has not been clearly established. In this review, we elucidate on the significance of LINC00472 in various human diseases, indicating that LINC00472 may be a diagnostic, prognostic as well as therapeutic target for these diseases.