MicroRNAs in Myelodysplastic Syndromes

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short endogenous non-coding RNA molecules that are able to regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional levels. Because they influence expression of genes involved in fundamental signaling pathways, their deregulation often triggers various pathological processes, such as cancer. In recent years, cell-free circulating miRNAs have been found in various body fluids, including blood plasma.

Using novel high-throughput technologies (microarrays, next-generation sequencing) we analyze intracellular (hematopoietic progenitor cells) and extracellular (blood plasma) miRNA profiles in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). By comparison of expression profiles between patients with different disease subtypes, risk scores and during the course of therapy (lenalidomide, hypomethylating agents), we aim to identify novel molecular markers suitable for monitoring of MDS patients, which will contribute to the prevention of the disease progression and the increase of patients’ survival rate.