MicroRNA Expression and Function in Psoriasis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
MicroRNA Expression and Function in Psoriasis
IRAS ID
145686
Contact name
Kehinde Ross
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Research summary
MicroRNA Expression in Psoriasis
Increasing scientific evidence suggests that complex diseases like psoriasis are driven by small gene products called microRNAs. These molecules acts as “dimmer switches“ that turn down gene expression. Alterations in microRNA levels in psoriatic skin compared to normal skin may contribute to the disease. In this study, the amounts of microRNAs in lesional and non-lesional psoriatic skin will be examined. Patients (no systemic treatments for at least 2 weeks and no active topical treatments apart from emollients for 1 week) will be recruited will be recruited from the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust Dermatology clinic. Biopsies (6 mm) will be obtained under local anaesthesia from lesional or uninvolved skin. This procedure typically takes less than 15 minutes. Genetic molecules (RNA and microRNA) will be extracted using routine methods, and levels of these molecules will be assessed using established techniques. Together, with additional laboratory investigations, these studies will support the development of microRNA-based therapy for psoriasis. Funding for the study has been sought from the National Psoriasis Foundation (USA).REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/0067
Date of REC Opinion
30 Apr 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion