Long Non-Coding RNAs in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: New Insights into Disease Pathogenesis and Diagnosis

Bridging autoimmunity and epigenetics: The influence of lncRNA MALAT1

Autoimmune disorders represent a heterogeneous spectrum of conditions defined by an immune system's atypical reactivity against endogenous constituents. In the complex anatomy of autoimmune pathogenesis, lncRNAs have appeared as pivotal arbiters orchestrating the mechanisms of ailment initiation, immune cascades, and transcriptional modulation. One such lncRNA, MALAT1, has garnered attention for its potential association with the aetiology of several autoimmune diseases. MALAT1 has been shown to influence a wide spectrum of cellular processes, which include cell multiplication and specialization, as well as apoptosis and inflammation. In autoimmune diseases, MALAT1 exhibits both disease-specific and shared patterns of dysregulation, often correlating with disease severity. The molecular mechanisms underlying MALAT1's impact on autoimmune disorders include epigenetic modifications, alternative splicing, and modulation of gene expression networks. Additionally, MALAT1's intricate interactions with microRNAs, other lncRNAs, and protein-coding genes further underscore its role in immune regulation and autoimmune disease progression. Understanding the contribution of MALAT1 in autoimmune pathogenesis across different diseases could offer valuable insights into shared pathways, thereby clearing a path for the creation of innovative and enhanced therapeutic approaches to address these complex disorders. This review aims to elucidate the complex role of MALAT1 in autoimmune disorders, encompassing rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and psoriasis. Furthermore, it discusses the potential of MALAT1 as a diagnostic biomarker, therapeutic target, and prognostic indicator.

Regulation of IFNβ expression: focusing on the role of its promoter and transcription regulators

IFNβ is a single-copy gene without an intron. Under normal circumstances, it shows low or no expression in cells. It is upregulated only when the body needs it or is stimulated. Stimuli bind to the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and pass via various signaling pathways to several basic transcriptional regulators, such as IRFs, NF-кB, and AP-1. Subsequently, the transcriptional regulators enter the nucleus and bind to regulatory elements of the IFNβ promoter. After various modifications, the position of the nucleosome is altered and the complex is assembled to activate the IFNβ expression. However, IFNβ regulation involves a complex network. For the study of immunity and diseases, it is important to understand how transcription factors bind to regulatory elements through specific forms, which elements in cells are involved in regulation, what regulation occurs during the assembly of enhancers and transcription complexes, and the possible regulatory mechanisms after transcription. Thus, this review focuses on the various regulatory mechanisms and elements involved in the activation of IFNβ expression. In addition, we discuss the impact of this regulation in biology.