Down-Regulation DNER (Delta/Notch Like EGF Repeat Containing) Gene in Patients with multiple sclerosis and relationship with High Disability
Down-Regulation DNER (Delta/Notch Like EGF Repeat Containing) Gene in Patients with multiple sclerosis and relationship with High Disability
Kimia moradi farsani,1,*Somayeh Reiisi,2
1. Shahrekord University 2. Department of Genetics; Faculty of Basic Sciences; Shahrekord University
Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), influenced by various environmental and genetic factors. The DeNotch-like EGF-related Receptor (DNER) gene, due to its role in the growth and differentiation of neurons, may play a significant role in CNS-related diseases, including MS. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the changes in DNER gene expression in MS and its relationship with clinical and demographic factors such as gender, duration of illness, and degree of disability.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2024 in Shahrekord to evaluate the relative expression of the DNER gene. The study sample included 100 individuals, consisting of 50 people with MS as the case group and 50 healthy individuals as the control group, from whom blood samples were collected. RNA extraction and complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis were then performed, followed by the determination of the relative expression of the DNER gene using real-time PCR. The data were analyzed using statistical methods such as t-test and ANOVA.
Results: The findings indicated that DNER gene expression was significantly decreased in MS patients compared to the control group (P<0.001). Additionally, this decrease in gene expression was observed with the prolongation of the disease duration and in cases of severe disability (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The DNER gene is expressed in developing and mature CNS (Central Nervous System) neurons and also aids in the maturation of glial cells through the activation of the Notch pathway. This study demonstrated a significant reduction in DNER gene expression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients compared to healthy controls, suggesting a potential role for DNER in MS pathology. The correlation between reduced gene expression and increased disease severity indicates that DNER could serve as a biomarker for disease progression, highlighting its importance for further research and potential therapeutic targeting.