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Circulating miRNAs in acute new-onset atrial fibrillation and their target mRNA network

Ananília Medeiros Gomes da Silva1, Jéssica Nayara Góes de Araújo1, Katiene Macêdo de Oliveira1

  • 1Department of Clinical Analysis and Toxicology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.

Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology
|April 21, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show distinct expression patterns in atrial fibrillation (AF). Specific miRNAs like miR-133b, miR-328, and miR-499 are upregulated in acute new-onset AF, potentially aiding early detection.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Cardiovascular research
  • Biomarker discovery

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in the development and progression of atrial fibrillation (AF).
  • Understanding miRNA expression profiles can offer insights into AF pathogenesis.
  • This pilot study examines specific miRNAs and their mRNA targets in different AF states.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the differential expression of six selected miRNAs in patients with acute new-onset AF, well-controlled AF, and normal sinus rhythm.
  • To identify miRNA-mRNA interactions relevant to cardiovascular processes, particularly in AF.
  • To explore the potential clinical utility of these miRNAs as biomarkers for AF.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma samples were collected from patients with acute new-onset AF (n=5), well-controlled AF (n=16), and controls (n=15).
  • Real-time PCR was used to analyze the expression levels of miR-21, miR-133a, miR-133b, miR-150, miR-328, and miR-499.
  • Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and TargetScan were employed to predict miRNA-mRNA interactions, focusing on cardiovascular pathways.

Main Results:

  • Increased expression of miR-133b (1.4-fold), miR-328 (2.0-fold), and miR-499 (2.3-fold) was observed in acute new-onset AF patients compared to controls.
  • Decreased expression of miR-21 (0.6-fold) was noted in well-controlled AF patients relative to acute new-onset AF and control groups.
  • SMAD7 and FASLG were identified as key mRNA targets of miR-21, miR-133b, and miR-499, implicated in apoptosis and fibrosis relevant to AF.

Conclusions:

  • Distinct miRNA expression profiles correlate with different atrial fibrillation conditions.
  • Upregulated miR-133b, miR-328, and miR-499 in acute AF suggest their involvement in the condition's pathogenesis.
  • These miRNAs may serve as valuable biomarkers for early AF detection and risk stratification, potentially reducing cardiovascular event risk.
Keywords:
acute new-onset AFatrial fibrillationmRNAmiRNA

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