Project description:Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of sustained arrhythmia in humans often characterized by devastating alterations to the cardiac conduction system as well as the structure of the atria. AF can lead to decreased cardiac function, heart failure, and other complications. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in the cardiovascular system, including AF; however, a large group of lncRNAs is not conserved between mouse and human. Furthermore, AF has complex networks showing variations in mechanisms in different species, making it challenging to utilize conventional animal models to investigate the functional roles and potential therapeutic benefits of lncRNAs for AF. Fortunately, pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) offer a reliable platform to study lncRNA functions in AF because of certain electrophysiological and molecular similarities with native human CMs. In this review, we first summarize the broad aspects of lncRNAs in various heart disease settings, then focus on their potential roles in AF development and pathophysiology. We also discuss current uses of PSCs in AF research and describe how these studies could be developed into novel therapeutics for AF and other cardiovascular diseases.
Project description:ObjectiveThis review summarizes the advances in the study of ncRNAs and atrial remodeling mechanisms to explore potential therapeutic targets and strategies for AF.BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common arrhythmias, and its morbidity and mortality rates are gradually increasing. Non-coding ribonucleic acid RNAs (ncRNAs) are transcribed from the genome and do not have the ability to be translated into proteins. A growing body of evidence has shown ncRNAs are extensively involved in the pathophysiological processes underlying AF. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of these associations have not been fully elucidated. Atrial remodeling plays a key role in the occurrence and development of AF, and includes electrical remodeling, structural remodeling, and autonomic nerve remodeling. Research has shown that ncRNA expression is altered in the plasma and tissues of AF patients that mediate cardiac excitation and arrhythmia, and is closely related to atrial remodeling.MethodsLiteratures about ncRNAs and atrial fibrillation were extensively reviewed to discuss and analyze.ConclusionsThe biology of ncRNAs represents a relatively new field of research and is still in an emerging stage. Recent studies have laid a foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms of AF, future studies aimed at identifying how ncRNAs act on atrial fibrillation to provide potentially promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
Project description:BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia with severe clinical sequelae, but its genetic characteristic implicated in pathogenesis has not been completely clarified. Accumulating evidence has indicated that circulating exosomes and their carried cargoes, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), involve in the progress of multiple cardiovascular diseases. However, their potential role as clinical biomarkers in AF diagnosis and prognosis remains unknown.MethodsHerein, we conducted the sequence and bioinformatic analysis of circulating exosomes harvested from AF and sinus rhythm patients.ResultsA total of 53 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified, and a total of 6 significantly changed lncRNAs (fold change > 2.0), including NR0046235, NR003045, NONHSAT167247.1, NONHSAT202361.1, NONHSAT205820.1 and NONHSAT200958.1, were verified by qRT-PCR in 215 participants. Moreover, these circulating exosome lncRNA levels were different between paroxysmal and persistent AF patients, which were dramatically associated with abnormal hemodynamics and atrial diameter. Furthermore, we observed that the area under ROC curve (AUC) of six lncRNAs combination for diagnosis of persistent AF was 80.34%. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment pathway analysis indicated these exosome lncRNAs mainly concerning response to chemokine-chemokine receptor interaction, which induced activated inflammation and structural remodeling. In addition, increased plasma levels of CXCR3 ligands, including CXCL4, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11, were accumulated in AF patient tissues.ConclusionOur study provides the transcriptome profile revealing pattern of circulating exosome lncRNAs in atrial structural remodeling, which bring valuable insights into improving prognosis and therapeutic targets for AF.
Project description:Colorectal cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite the advances in the knowledge of pathogenetic molecular mechanisms and the implementation of more effective drug treatments in recent years, the overall survival rate of patients remains unsatisfactory. The high death rate is mainly due to metastasis of cancer in about half of the cancer patients and the emergence of drug-resistant populations of cancer cells. Improved understanding of cancer molecular biology has highlighted the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in colorectal cancer development and evolution. ncRNAs regulate gene expression through various mechanisms, including epigenetic modifications and interactions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with both microRNAs (miRNAs) and proteins, and through the action of lncRNAs as miRNA precursors or pseudogenes. LncRNAs can also be detected in the blood and circulating ncRNAs have become a new source of non-invasive cancer biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer, as well as for predicting the response to drug therapy. In this review, we focus on the role of lncRNAs in colorectal cancer development, progression, and chemoresistance, and as possible therapeutic targets.
Project description:BackgroundExtensive research has recognized the significant roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in various cellular pathophysiological processes and their association with diverse diseases, including atrial septal defect (ASD), one of the most prevalent congenital heart diseases. This systematic review aims to explore the intricate involvement and significance of ncRNAs in the pathogenesis and progression of ASD.MethodsFour databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Web of Science) were searched systematically up to June 19, 2023, with no year restriction. The risk of bias assessment was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.ResultsThe present systematic review included thirteen studies with a collective study population of 874 individuals diagnosed with ASD, 21 parents of ASD patients, and 22 pregnant women carrying ASD fetuses. Our analysis revealed evidence linking five long ncRNAs (STX18-AS1, HOTAIR, AA709223, BX478947, and Moshe) and several microRNAs (hsa-miR-19a, hsa-miR-19b, hsa-miR-375, hsa-miR-29c, miR-29, miR-143/145, miR-17-92, miR-106b-25, and miR-503/424, miR-9, miR-30a, miR-196a2, miR-139-5p, hsa-let-7a, hsa-let-7b, and hsa-miR-486) to ASD progression, corresponding to previous studies.ConclusionsNcRNAs play a crucial role in unraveling the underlying mechanisms of ASD, contributing to both biomarker discovery and therapeutic advancements. This systematic review sheds light on the mechanisms of action of key ncRNAs involved in ASD progression, providing valuable insights for future research in this field.
Project description:Background Atrial fibrillation ( AF ) is a common arrhythmia seen in clinical practice. Occasionally, no common risk factors are present in patients with this arrhythmia. This suggests the potential underlying role of genetic factors associated with predisposition to developing AF . Methods and Results We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature through large online libraries, including PubMed. Many different potassium and sodium channel mutations have been discussed in their relation to AF . There have also been non-ion channel mutations that have been linked to AF . Genome-wide association studies have helped in identifying potential links between single-nucleotide polymorphisms and AF . Ancestry studies have also highlighted a role of genetics in AF . Blacks with a higher percentage of European ancestry are at higher risk of developing AF . The emerging field of ablatogenomics involves the use of genetic profiles in their relation to recurrence of AF after catheter ablation. Conclusions The evidence for the underlying role of genetics in AF continues to expand. Ultimately, the role of genetics in risk stratification of AF and its recurrence is of significant interest. No established risk scores that are useful in clinical practice are present to date.
Project description:Recent studies of atrial fibrillation (AF) have identified mutations in a series of ion channels; however, these mutations appear to be relatively rare causes of AF. A genome-wide association study has identified novel variants on chromosome 4 associated with AF, although the mechanism of action for these variants remains unknown. Ultimately, a greater understanding of the genetics of AF should yield insights into novel pathways, therapeutic targets, and diagnostic testing for this common arrhythmia.
Project description:Recent studies of AF have identified mutations in a series of ion channels; however, these mutations appear to be relatively rare causes of AF. A genome-wide association study has identified novel variants on chromosome 4 associated with AF, although the mechanism of action for these variants remains unknown. Ultimately, a greater understanding of the genetics of AF should yield insights into novel pathways, therapeutic targets, and diagnostic testing for this common arrhythmia.