MicroRNA Dynamics in Oral Lichen Planus

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic mucocutaneous disorder characterised by T cell‐mediated inflammation, keratinocyte apoptosis and a propensity for malignant transformation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as central regulators of the transcriptomic and proteomic changes underpinning OLP pathogenesis. Altered miRNA profiles in lesional tissue, serum and saliva reflect disturbances in apoptotic pathways, cytokine networks and epithelial barrier integrity. Key miRNAs both promote and restrain inflammation through targeting of signal transducers such as Protein Kinase C δ and SOCS1, while others modulate T helper-1 (Th1) and regulatory T cell (Treg) polarisation via the NF-κB and FOXP3 axes. Vitamin D receptor signalling, circular RNA sponging and feedback loops involving IFN-γ represent important mechanisms that shape miRNA expression. Collectively, these dynamics offer insight into disease mechanisms and highlight miRNAs as promising diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for restoring mucosal homeostasis.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have detailed a positive feedback loop in which miR-155 and interferon-γ mutually reinforce Th1 polarisation in CD4+ T cells of erosive OLP, thereby sustaining chronic inflammation and tissue damage. In parallel, investigations into vitamin D receptor (VDR) signalling have shown that ligand-activated VDR binds promoter regions of miR-27a/b genes in oral keratinocytes, preventing their down-regulation by inflammatory stimuli and contributing to epithelial resilience.

MicroRNA Dynamics in Oral Lichen Planus publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna dynamics in oral lichen planus across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

MicroRNA (miRNA): A small non-coding RNA molecule that regulates gene expression by binding to messenger RNA.

Cytokine: A signalling protein released by immune cells to modulate inflammation and cell communication.

Feedback loop: A regulatory circuit in which an output signal enhances or suppresses its own production.

Sponging: The process by which circular RNA binds and sequesters microRNAs, preventing their activity.

Biomarker: A measurable biological molecule indicative of a physiological or pathological state.

References

1. MicroRNA-155-IFN-γ Feedback Loop in CD4+T Cells of Erosive type Oral Lichen Planus. Scientific Reports (2015).
2. Vitamin D/VDR signaling induces miR-27a/b expression in oral lichen planus. Scientific Reports (2020).
3. Salivary level of microRNA-146a and microRNA-155 biomarkers in patients with oral lichen planus versus oral squamous cell carcinoma. BMC Oral Health (2023).
4. The oncogenic potential of salivary microRNA-93 and microRNA-412-3p in oral lichen planus: a case-control study. BDJ Open (2024).
5. Deregulation of circ_003912 contributes to pathogenesis of erosive oral lichen planus by via sponging microRNA-123, -647 and -31 and upregulating FOXP3. Molecular Medicine (2021).