Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease characterized by extensive phenotypic variability. Biomarkers to capture the different aspects of MS heterogeneity, and to help make a diagnosis and monitor disease progression, while providing insights into etiopathogenesis and response to treatment, are urgently needed. Omics technologies and research efforts with microRNAs have provide unparalleled opportunities for exploring altered protein profiles associated with molecular mechanisms of disease, substantially expanding the list of candidate biomarkers for MS. This review presents evidence from proteomic studies that have focused on identification of biomarkers released in biofluids as a result of the different pathophysiological processes of MS. Also discussed is the emerging role of miRNAs as complementary biomarkers related to cellular processes occurring in MS patients. Also provided is an overview of candidate biomarkers that have been proposed for elucidating pathophysiological processes and disease activity and for guiding clinical diagnosis and/or therapeutic interventions in MS.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
ORCID
Stefania Mondello http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8587-3614