Identification of a miRNA biomarker for the large artery atherosclerosis subtype of acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

Aim of the study: To identify miRNA biomarkers of arterial atherosclerosis subtypes in acute ischemic stroke. Material and methods: 40 participants recruited in our hospital from October 2017 to January 2018. There were 12 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), 13 patients with atherosclerosis (AS) and 15 healthy subjects. They were divided into the AIS group, AS group and healthy control (HC) group. The miRNA expression levels of the AIS group, AS group and HC group were measured by miRNA microarray. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using the miRNA target prediction database. Results: The expression of 3 miRNAs,, was significantly different between the AIS and AS/HC groups. Genes targeted by miR-129-1-3p were involved in 12 pathways, of which axon guidance, retrograde endocannabinoid signalling and sphingolipid signalling pathways were associated with axonal and synaptic function. miR-129-1-3p mimics significantly decreased cortical neurite length and Runx2 levels, while miR-129-1-3p inhibitors promoted neurite growth and increased Runx2 expression. Conclusions: miR-129-1-3p may be a relevant biomarker for the diagnosis of stroke caused by large artery atherosclerosis and could represent a novel therapeutic target for stroke treatment.

Circulating MicroRNAs and Extracellular Vesicle-Derived MicroRNAs as Predictors of Functional Recovery in Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Another contributor to the heterogeneity of both miRNA expression and stroke outcome is the presence of comorbid conditions: although several studies analyze differential miRNA expression according to stroke subtype or comorbidities [94,106,107], we also identified 22 studies that have statistically significant differences in the prevalence of comorbidities between stroke patients and control groups, including hypertension, diabetes, cardiopathy, metabolic profiles of carbohydrate, lipid metabolism, and renal and systemic inflammatory markers, but do not attempt to investigate whether they act as confounders.…”

Non-Coding RNAs in Regulating Plaque Progression and Remodeling of Extracellular Matrix in Atherosclerosis

“…Twelve pathways were affected by the miR-129-1-3p target genes, three of which were related to axonal and synaptic function: sphingolipid signaling, retrograde endocannabinoid signaling, and axon guidance. Cortical neurite length and Runx2 levels were considerably reduced by miR-129-1-3p mimics, whereas Runx2 expression was elevated, and neurite growth was boosted by miR-129-1-3p inhibitors [117].…”