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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
In Vitro Model of Coronary Angiogenesis
Published on: March 10, 2020
MicroRNA-93 may control vascular endothelial growth factor A in circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells in
Kazuyoshi Saito1, Hideyuki Nakaoka1, Ichiro Takasaki2
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.
Background:
Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common systemic vasculitis syndrome primarily affecting medium-sized arteries, particularly the coronary arteries. Though KD may be associated with immunological problems, the involvement of microRNAs (miRs) has not been fully described.
Methods:
We enrolled 23 KD patients and 12 controls. We performed miR and mRNA microarray analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from acute KD patients and controls. Continuously, we measured specific miRs, mRNA and the expression of proteins by using reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:
We identified strikingly high levels of miR-182 and miR-296-5p during the acute febrile phase, and of miR-93, miR-145-5p, miR-145-3p, and miR-150-3p in the defervescence stage, especially in refractory KD patients. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) mRNA, previously reported to be controlled by miR-93, was significantly elevated during the febrile phase and normalized upon treatment, negatively correlating with the expression of miR-93. Further, plasma levels of VEGF-A correlated with PBMC VEGFA mRNA expression.
Conclusion:
Several miRs are highly specific to the acute phase of KD, and may participate in regulating the expression of genes in pathways associated with KD. In particular, miR-93 may participate in regulating expression of VEGF-A and contribute to the pathogenesis of arteritis in acute KD.
Insights
This study identifies specific microRNAs (miRs) linked to Kawasaki disease (KD) phases. Elevated miR-93 correlates with vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in acute KD, suggesting a role in arteritis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Kawasaki disease (KD) is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children, characterized by systemic vasculitis affecting medium-sized arteries.
- While immunological factors are implicated, the role of microRNAs (miRs) in KD pathogenesis remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of microRNAs (miRs) in the acute and defervescence stages of Kawasaki disease (KD).
- To explore the relationship between specific miRs, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), and KD pathology.
Main Methods:
- Microarray analysis of miRs and mRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 23 KD patients and 12 controls.
- Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure specific miR, mRNA, and protein expression.
Main Results:
- Distinct miR profiles were observed during acute febrile and defervescence phases of KD.
- Elevated miR-182 and miR-296-5p were found in the acute phase, while miR-93, miR-145-5p, miR-145-3p, and miR-150-3p were elevated in the defervescence stage, particularly in refractory KD.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) mRNA and protein levels were elevated during the febrile phase, inversely correlated with miR-93 expression, and normalized post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Specific miRs are highly characteristic of KD phases and may regulate genes involved in KD-associated pathways.
- miR-93 is a potential regulator of VEGF-A expression, contributing to the arteritis observed in acute Kawasaki disease.
