yRNA is an essential factor for chromosomal DNA replication and has a functional role. Four yRNA subtypes have shown some diagnostic and prognostic potential for several types of cancers and diseases. The exact etiology of systematic sclerosis (SSc) requires clarification, and there are no biomarkers to measure the severity of fibrosis caused by accumulation of collagen. We therefore investigated the role of yRNAs in the pathogenesis of collagen accumulation in SSc. First, we investigated the expression of yRNAs in total RNA extracted from SSc and normal skin tissues by real-time PCR. We also examined the expression of yRNAs using real-time PCR with RNA extracted from cultured dermal fibroblasts of SSc and normal subjects. Expression of COL1A1 and COL1A2 was then examined in SSc fibroblasts transfected with yRNA3 siRNA. Finally, using RNA extracted from the sera of SSc and control subjects, the expression of yRNAs was quantitated by real-time PCR. There were no significant differences in yRNA expression between SSc skin tissue and control tissue, but the expression levels of yRNA3 were significantly higher in cultured dermal fibroblasts of patients with SSc than control cells. Transfection of SSc dermal fibroblasts with yRNA3 siRNA significantly reduced COL1A1 expression. Sera from patients with SSc showed significantly lower expression of yRNA4 than those of control subjects. yRNAs could be useful biomarkers for diagnosis of SSc, or they may be utilized as a therapeutic target.

ESDR616 - yRNA4 up-regulation induces collagen expression in scleroderma cultured dermal fibroblasts

The scientific meeting of the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR) is held yearly, usually in September. With an international attendance of more than 1000 skin scientists from around the globe, the four-day event includes short oral presentations from peer-reviewed abstracts, keynote lectures from international experts, sponsored symposia, satellite programs, educational events as well as an important focus on posters, networking and building collaborations amongst scientists. For more information about this year’s meeting visit our website.