DIAGNOSING AND TREATING FIBROTIC DISEASES USING MICRO-RNA 17

摘要

This invention relates to the use of a specific micro-RNA (micro-RNA 17) to monitor disease activity and treat fibrotic disorders such as systemic sclerosis, cirrhosis of the liver, pulmonary sclerosis, retroperitoneal fibrosis and other conditions characterized by excessive pathological collagen accumulation (scarring) in tissues. The micro-RNA 17 is a specific 23 nucleotide single-stranded RNA molecule that is decreased in the circulation of patients with systemic sclerosis and which regulates key collagen telopeptide lysyl hydroxylases involved in pathological crosslinking of collagen. This makes it useful for diagnosing and monitoring fibrosis as well as the basis of drugs or other treatments that upregulate the levels of this miR in fibrosis patients.