Micro RNA s in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE ) is a prototypic autoimmune disease, characterized by the production of autoantibodies against multiple organs. Micro RNA s (mi RNA s) are non‐coding, single‐stranded small RNA s that post‐transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Evidence is accumulating that mi RNA s play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of SLE . This article reviews the pertinent publications (searched from the P ub M ed database) involving the mechanisms of actions of mi RNA associated with the pathogenesis of SLE . The search of related literature was extended as far back as 1979. In this mini‐review we first introduce the mi RNA s briefly and later discuss their regulatory roles in the DNA methylation pathway, type I interferon pathway, estrogen and regulatory T‐cells in the pathogenesis of SLE .