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Exosomal CNP and CNP-Related microRNAs: An Open Window into Brugada Syndrome?
Manuela Cabiati1, Federico Vozzi1, Elisa Persiani1
1Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (CNR), 56100 Pisa, Italy.
Biomedicines
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Brugada Syndrome (BrS) patients show increased exosomal C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) mRNA and altered microRNA levels, suggesting a shared molecular basis for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Brugada Syndrome (BrS) is a cardiac arrhythmia linked to ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest.
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in BrS, implying shared molecular substrates for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.
- The role of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in exosomes in BrS remains unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate exosomal CNP mRNA expression and CNP-associated miRNA levels in BrS patients compared to controls.
- To identify potential molecular links between atrial and ventricular arrhythmias in BrS.
Main Methods:
- Exosomes were isolated from plasma of BrS patients and healthy controls.
- In silico analysis identified AF-related CNP-targeting miRNAs.
- Exosomal CNP mRNA and miRNA levels were quantified using Droplet Digital PCR.
Main Results:
- BrS patients had significantly higher exosomal CNP mRNA levels than controls.
- Exosomal miR-138-5p was downregulated in BrS patients.
- Other AF-related CNP-targeting miRNAs showed comparable levels, but positive correlations were found between CNP and miR-223-5p/miR-4443.
Conclusions:
- Exosomal profiling offers a sensitive method for detecting molecular remodeling in BrS.
- Alterations in exosomal CNP and miRNAs suggest a shared molecular substrate for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias in BrS.
- These findings may guide future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for BrS.
