Molecular Research on Celiac Disease
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2021) | Viewed by 19652
Special Issue Editor
Interests: celiac disease; liver disease; gastroenterology; immunology; molecular genetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Throughout the years, our understanding of celiac disease has changed quite dramatically, and the data obtained by several research group have allowed us to better define the pathogenesis of this multifactorial disorder. Celiac disease is now regarded as an autoimmune disorder triggered, in genetically predisposed individuals, by the exposure to gluten.
Although it is known that a specific HLA is necessary for the development of the disease, the presence of the DQ2.5 or DQ8 heterodimer is not sufficient, and several other genes are involved in the pathogenesis. Genome-wide association studies have identified several loci, mostly harboring genes involved in the immune response, but still about 50% of the genetic predisposition is unknown.
To fill this gap, and to clarify the genes involved in the pathogenesis, different approaches are necessary, also involving the analysis of the epigenetic mechanisms that play an essential role in the regulation of gene expression. In addition, recent research has revealed the extremely important role of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). This category includes both short ncRNAs (such as miRNAs) and long ncRNAs, which can exert their function both directly or indirectly, in this latter case acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). Thus, their role in celiac disease could be pivotal, since they could regulate both intestinal permeability as well as the immune response.
Another important issue regards the peptides causing the immune response; several data have demonstrated the role of the 33mer as well as of the 31-43 peptide, but other peptides or even other components of cereals need to be further evaluated in order to define their involvement in the pathogenesis of celiac disease.
Last but not least, we should consider the role of microbiota, which could process the gluten peptides, transforming them into harmless, very short peptides, thus preventing the activation of the immune system. Although some studies have demonstrated variation in the microbiota of celiac patients, we still need data to assess whether these changes are causative or a consequence of the damage of the intestinal mucosa.
Prof. Dr. Donatella Barisani
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- Non-coding RNAs
- Gene expression
- Gluten peptides
- Microbiota
- Adaptive immunity
- Innate immunity
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