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Restoring immune balance in patients with primary Sjogrens Syndrome (pSS) by modulating microRNA expression

Sjogren’s Syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder characterised by inflammation of exocrine glands (such as tear and salivary glands) causing symptoms like dry eyes and dry mouth. The disease can occur as an individual entity (primary SS) or as a complication of other inflammatory diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (secondary SS). SS patients can develop a wide range of other inflammatory complications outside of glandular tissue and have a significantly increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. While many genetic and environmental factors are relevant in the development of SS and its severity, the exact cause of SS is not known. Presently, no cure for SS has been discovered and current treatments aim to simply alleviate symptoms, like treating dry eye with artificial tears and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. But, these treatments fail to address the underlying inflammatory component of this disease and serve no purpose in preventing the development of complications. Certain types of microRNA have been shown to regulate inflammation, suggesting that microRNA-based therapies may serve as potential treatment in SS in the future. Also, microRNA targets could be used to identify patients who will go on to develop serious complications. The aim of this project is to identify important microRNA species in the progression of SS using bioinformatics and molecular techniques. Outcomes from this research should aid in diagnosis of pSS and in distinguishing patients who may go on to develop complications in order to provide more individualised and effective modes of treatment.