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Author Spotlight: Developing a Translational Model for Atrial Fibrillation Research Across Species
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Atrial fibrillation and microRNAs

Gaetano Santulli1, Guido Iaccarino2, Nicola De Luca3

  • 1Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University Hospital Naples, Italy ; Department of Translational Medical Sciences, "Federico II" University Hospital Naples, Italy ; Columbia University Medical Center, College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York Presbyterian Hospital - Manhattan New York, NY, USA.

Frontiers in Physiology
|January 31, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm disorder, is increasingly linked to microRNAs. These small RNAs play a functional role in the electrical and structural changes seen in AF.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent sustained cardiac arrhythmia, particularly in aging populations.
  • AF possesses a notable genetic predisposition.
  • Emerging research highlights the involvement of microRNAs in AF pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and update the literature on the mechanistic links between specific microRNAs and atrial fibrillation.
  • To elucidate the role of microRNAs in cardiac electrical and structural remodeling in AF.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of published studies.
  • Analysis of research investigating microRNA function in cardiac arrhythmia.
  • Focus on studies detailing microRNA regulation of electrical and structural remodeling.

Main Results:

  • Multiple studies confirm a functional role for microRNAs in AF.
  • Specific microRNAs are mechanistically associated with the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation.
  • MicroRNAs influence both electrical and structural remodeling processes in cardiac tissue relevant to AF.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs are key players in the development and progression of atrial fibrillation.
  • Targeting specific microRNAs may offer novel therapeutic strategies for AF.
  • Further research is warranted to fully understand the microRNA-AF axis.
Keywords:
apoptosisatrial fibrillationelectrical remodelingelectrophysiologyfibrosismicroRNA (miRNA)structural remodeling

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