GAS8 and its naturally occurring antisense RNA as biomarkers in multiple sclerosis.

Expressions of the Growth arrest specific 8 (GAS8) and its naturally occurring anti-sense RNA (GAS8-AS1) have been assessed in tumoral tissues of different origins. However, their association with immune-related disorders has been poorly understood. In the current study, we evaluated expression levels of these genes in 50 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Expressions of both genes were significantly higher in total MS patients compared with controls (P = 0.001 and P < 0.0001 respectively). The difference in GAS8 expression was also significant in total female patients and females aged less than 50 when compared with the corresponding control subjects (P = 0.002 and 0.006 respectively). GAS8-AS1 was higher in male patients in both age-based subgroups compared with the corresponding healthy subjects (P < 0.0001). Expressions of both genes were inversely correlated with age of male study participants but no other subgroups. GAS8-AS1 transcript levels had 99.6% accuracy in diagnosis of disease status in male subjects. The current study shows significance of GAS8 and GAS8-AS1 in the pathogenesis of MS and the putative role of GAS8-AS1 as a diagnostic biomarker in a subset of patients.

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