Investigating the expression of ERMN and LTN1 genes in patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease with demyelinating and neurodegeneration of central nervous system (CNS), which largely affects young adults. Although the exact pathogenesis and etiology cause of MS is still unclear, there are studies that confirm genetic predisposition together with environmental elements are two main causative factors leading to MS. In MS patients, Environmental factors can induce a cascade of events in immune system leading to neuronal death and nerve demyelination. ERMN has been identified as an oligodendrocyte-specific protein. This cytoskeletal molecule plays a pivotal role in cytoskeletal rearrangements in myelinogenesis. LTN1 has a functional relation with ERMN. This gene functions in regulating innate immune system and ubiquitin proteasome pathway. In spite of defect in myelination process and repair mechanisms in MS, association analysis between these two genes and MS was not carried out before. Materials and Methods: The level of mRNA expressed by ERMN and LTN1 in 50 relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) patients against 50 healthy controls measured using Taqman Quantitative Real-Time PCR. Eventually, Statistical analysis was done using SPSS and REST softwares. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in ERMN expression in patients (p < 0.05); whereas, no significant difference was detected in LTN1 expression between two groups (p> 0.05).