Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
08:19
Electrophysiological Assessment of Murine Atria with High-Resolution Optical Mapping
Published on: February 22, 2018
11.7K
Gene expression and genetic variation in human atria
Honghuang Lin1, Elena V Dolmatova2, Michael P Morley3
1National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's and Boston University's Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, Massachusetts; Section of Computational Biomedicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
Heart Rhythm
|November 2, 2013
Summary
Researchers identified distinct gene expression patterns in the human left and right atria, revealing MYOZ1 as a potential cause of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study advances understanding of AF molecular mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Genomics and Molecular Biology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Atrial Fibrillation Pathophysiology
Background:
- Human atria exhibit differential susceptibility to atrial fibrillation (AF).
- Molecular underpinnings of AF-related structural and functional atrial changes remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively characterize gene expression profiles in human left and right atria.
- To identify genetic variations within human atrial tissues.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 53 left atrial and 52 right atrial tissue samples from the MAGNet repository.
- Gene expression profiling using Affymetrix GeneChip Human Genome U133A Array.
- Genetic variation analysis via Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0.
Main Results:
- 109 genes showed differential expression between left and right atria.
- Significant cis-associations between transcript levels and genetic variants were identified in both atria.
- SNP rs3740293 at a known AF locus associated with MYOZ1 expression in both atria.
Conclusions:
- A distinct transcriptional profile exists between the human right and left atrium.
- Extensive cis-associations link atrial transcripts with common genetic variants.
- MYOZ1 is implicated as the causative gene at the chromosome 10q22 locus for AF.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Genetic Variation
1.7K
Genetic variation is the diversity in DNA sequences found among individuals of the same species. This diversity is crucial for a species' survival because it helps organisms adapt to environmental changes. Genetic variation begins with fertilization, where an egg and sperm cell merge. Each of these cells carries 23 chromosomes, up to 46 in the fertilized egg. Chromosomes are long DNA strands that contain genes, the basic units of heredity.
Genes exist in different versions called alleles,...
Genes exist in different versions called alleles,...
1.7K
02:32Exon Recombination
3.1K
The evolution of new genes is critical for speciation. Exon recombination, also known as exon shuffling or domain shuffling, is an important means of new gene formation. It is observed across vertebrates, invertebrates, and in some plants such as potatoes and sunflowers. During exon recombination, exons from the same or different genes recombine and produce new exon-intron combinations, which might evolve into new genes.
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon...
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon...
3.1K
01:28Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
2.8K
Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.
2.8K
01:27Principles of Pharmacogenetics: Types of Genetic Variants
143
The human genome is over 99.9% identical between individuals, yet genetic differences exist at millions of bases. The human genome contains approximately 3 million variant positions per individual, many of which are heterozygous, contributing to genetic diversity and individual traits. Genetic variations include single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions, deletions, and copy number variations (CNVs).SNPs, the most common variation, involve single-base changes in DNA. These can be...
143
01:09Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift
53.2K
In a population that is not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of alleles changes over time. Therefore, any deviations from the five conditions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium can alter the genetic variation of a given population. Conditions that change the genetic variability of a population include mutations, natural selection, non-random mating, gene flow, and genetic drift (small population size).
53.2K
01:28Human Genetics
2.0K
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
2.0K