Investigation of ERG Gene Expression in Iranian Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neuro-inflammatory disease arising from interplay of multiple genetic and nongenetic factors. The complex etiology of MS highlights the importance of investigation in various populations exposed to different genetic and environmental risk factors and combination of the results of these studies for elucidation of the MS underlying mechanisms and management of this disease. The role of ETS-related gene (ERG) in inflammation and immune response has been suggested by different investigations. However, a very limited number of studies have been performed about the contribution of this gene in pathogenesis and risk of MS.

Methods: The present study investigated the association of ERG mRNA expression with MS by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) for the first time in peripheral blood samples of 50 Iranian MS patients and 50 controls.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the expression of the ERG between patients and controls. Also, no correlation was detected between the expression of this gene and age of onset, disease duration and Expanded Disability Status Scale.

Conclusion: The findings of the current study revealed no association between ERG expression and MS, at least in the Iranian patients studied. However, more in-depth and comprehensive investigations should be included to evaluate the exact relevance of this gene to the development of autoimmune diseases such as MS.

KEYWORDS:

• ERG
• gene expression
• multiple sclerosis
• RT-qPCR

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Islamic Azad University, Falavarjan Branch research council, Isfahan MS Research Center and all patients contributing to the research.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

This study is a part of the research proposal: [Grant Number: 1729508160002] conducted by Nasrin Yazdanpanahi and was supported by Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Falavarjan Branch.