Noncoding RNAs Involved in the Pathogenesis of Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis that can lead to fusion of vertebrae and sacroiliac joints following syndesmophyte formation. The etiology of this painful disease remains poorly defined due to its complex genetic background. There are no commonly accepted methods for early diagnosis of AS, nor are there any effective or efficient clinical treatments. Several noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been linked to AS pathogenesis and inflammation via selective binding of their downstream targets. However, major gaps in knowledge remain to be filled before such findings can be translated into clinical treatments for AS. In this review, we outline recent findings that demonstrate essential roles of ncRNAs in AS mediated via multiple signaling pathways such as the Wnt, transforming growth factor-/bone morphogenetic protein, inflammatory, T-cell prosurvival, and nuclear factor-B pathways. The summary of these findings provides insight into the molecular mechanisms by which ncRNAs can be targeted for AS diagnosis and the development of therapeutic drugs against a variety of autoimmune diseases.