MiRNA research—The potential for understanding the multiple facets of anorexia nervosa

International Journal of Eating Disorders, vol. 57, pp. 1489–1494

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN) has a multifaceted and complex pathology, yet major gaps remain in our understanding of factors involved in AN pathology. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a regulatory role in translating genes into proteins and help understand and treat diseases. An extensive literature review on miRNAs with AN and comorbidities has uncovered a significant lack in miRNA research. To demonstrate the importance of understanding miRNA deregulation, we surveyed the literature on depression and obesity providing examples of relevant miRNAs. For AN, no miRNA sequencing or array studies have been found, unlike other psychiatric disorders. For depression and obesity, screenings and mechanistic studies were conducted, leading to clinical studies to improve understanding of their regulatory influences. MiRNAs are promising targets for studying AN due to their role as signaling molecules, involvement in psychiatric-metabolic axes, and potential as biomarkers. These characteristics offer valuable insights into the disease's etiology and potential new treatment options. The first miRNA-based treatment for rare metabolic disorders has been approved by the FDA and it is expected that these advancements will increase in the next decade. MiRNA research in AN is essential to examine its role in the development, manifestation, and progression of the disease. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: The current understanding of the development and treatment of AN is insufficient. miRNAs are short regulatory sequences that influence the translation of genes into proteins. They are the subject of research in various diseases, including both metabolic and psychiatric disorders. Studying miRNAs in AN may elucidate their causal and regulatory role, uncover potential biomarkers, and allow for future targeted treatments.

Authors 6

1. Clara Voelz corresponding Aachen Institute of Neuroanatomy

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University Hospital Institute of Neuroanatomy Aachen Germany

   RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Institute of Neuroanatomy, Aachen, Germany

2. Stefanie Trinh Aachen Institute of Neuroanatomy

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University Hospital Institute of Neuroanatomy Aachen Germany

   RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Institute of Neuroanatomy, Aachen, Germany

3. Larissa Käver Aachen Institute of Neuroanatomy

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University Hospital Institute of Neuroanatomy Aachen Germany

   RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Institute of Neuroanatomy, Aachen, Germany

4. M. Tran Aachen Institute of Neuroanatomy

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University Hospital Institute of Neuroanatomy Aachen Germany

   RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Institute of Neuroanatomy, Aachen, Germany

5. Cordian Beyer Aachen Institute of Neuroanatomy

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University Hospital Institute of Neuroanatomy Aachen Germany

   RWTH Aachen University JARA‐Brain Aachen Germany

   RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Institute of Neuroanatomy, Aachen, Germany

   RWTH Aachen University, JARA-Brain, Aachen, Germany

6. Jochen Seitz Aachen Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen · University of Duisburg-Essen

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy University of Duisburg‐Essen Essen Germany

   RWTH Aachen University Hospital Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics Aachen Germany

   Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany

   RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Aachen, Germany