Peripheral whole blood microRNA expression in relation to vascular function: a population-based study.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Molecular Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• MicroRNAs regulate gene expression and impact cardiovascular mechanisms.
• MicroRNAs are implicated in various cardiovascular diseases.
• Understanding microRNA roles in vascular function is crucial for disease prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate associations between whole blood microRNAs and quantitative vascular function measurements.
• Explore the biological roles of microRNAs in vascular health using integrative analysis.
• Identify specific microRNAs related to cardiovascular parameters and cerebrovascular damage.

Main Methods:

• RNA-sequencing of whole blood microRNA expression in 2606 participants from the Rhineland Study.
• Weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify microRNA modules.
• Linear regression models to associate microRNA modules with vascular health markers (e.g., arterial compliance, cardiac index).
• Identification of hub-microRNAs and pathway analysis of their targets.

Main Results:

• Four microRNA modules (e.g., miR-320 family, miR-378 family) associated with total arterial compliance index.
• The miR-320 family module also linked to white matter hyperintensity burden, partly mediated by arterial compliance.
• Hub-microRNA miR-192-5p associated with cardiac index.
• Functional analysis revealed pathways related to blood vessel development, angiogenesis, and aging.

Conclusions:

• Several microRNAs are robustly associated with cardiovascular function, particularly arterial compliance and cardiac output.
• miR-320 identified as a regulator of cerebrovascular damage, influenced by vascular function.
• Findings contribute to understanding vascular physiology and aging, offering potential targets for cardiovascular disease prevention.