Investigation of miRNA Functionality in Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The irregularities in miRNA expression have been reported in many pulmonary diseases, including CF. An increase or a decrease in miRNA levels has important influences on innate immune responses in respiratory tract of the patients with CF, such as impaired function of the inflammatory responses caused by neutrophils and macrophages, as well as chronic inflammation, which can lead to degradation and fibrosis of the lung tissue in these patients. The presence of a specific biomarker for diagnosis of pulmonary disease, inflammation, and cellular function can be a good candidate for diagnosis of CF. For example, sputum miRNAs can be ideal for checking pulmonary function. Although miRNA is not currently used for treatment or clinical diagnosis of CF, many studies have suggested miRNAs as potential biomarkers for the disease. miRNA-based treatments, that enhance the expression of CFTR, can be a very suitable option for adjusting CFTR levels in clinical trials on patients with CF. In this review article, after describing different miRNA groups, and its mechanism of action for regulation of protein expression, various studies related to miRNA in CF were investigated. In addition, the possibility to apply miRNA as a biomarker in CF, and its role in different miRNA-based therapeutic approaches were discussed.