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Updated: Oct 4, 2025
Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease
Published on: July 3, 2018
Circulating miR-489 as a potential new biomarker for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
Tomoya Ishiguro1, Mutsuharu Hayashi1, Wakaya Fujiwara1
1Department of Cardiology, Fujita Health University Bantane Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
Objectives:
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are functional RNAs that have emerged as pivotal gene expression regulators in cardiac disease. Although several cardiomyocyte miRNAs have been reported to play roles in heart failure progression among patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), the role of circulating miRNAs has not yet been well-examined.
Methods:
After total RNA extraction from the peripheral blood samples of three control participants and six patients with DCM, miRNA profiling was performed using miRNA arrays. Based on the results of this initial screening, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to perform a quantitative analysis of blood samples from a larger number of matched patients (DCM, n=20; controls, n=5). Finally, the correlations between specific miRNA expression levels and hemodynamic parameters were analyzed.
Results:
A primary screening of 2,565 miRNAs resulted in the identification of nine miRNA candidates. Quantitative RT-PCR results revealed significantly increased miR-489 expression levels in the DCM group. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between miR-489 expression level and left ventricular ejection fraction.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that circulating miR-489 could be a potential noninvasive diagnostic biomarker for DCM. Additionally, the quantification of circulating miR-489 may have value as a potential prognostic marker for patients with DCM.
Insights
Circulating miR-489 levels are elevated in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This microRNA may serve as a noninvasive biomarker for diagnosing DCM and predicting patient prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression implicated in cardiac diseases.
- While cardiomyocyte miRNAs are studied in heart failure, the role of circulating miRNAs in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
- To identify specific circulating miRNAs associated with DCM and their correlation with clinical parameters.
Main Methods:
- miRNA profiling using arrays on peripheral blood samples from DCM patients and controls.
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for validating candidate miRNAs.
- Correlation analysis between miRNA expression and hemodynamic parameters.
Main Results:
- Initial screening identified nine candidate miRNAs from 2,565 miRNAs.
- Significantly elevated miR-489 expression was observed in DCM patients compared to controls.
- A positive correlation was found between miR-489 levels and left ventricular ejection fraction.
Conclusions:
- Circulating miR-489 shows potential as a noninvasive diagnostic biomarker for DCM.
- Quantification of circulating miR-489 may also serve as a prognostic marker for DCM patients.
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