MicroRNA expression profile of human advanced coronary atherosclerotic plaques

MicroRNA (miR) is reported to be involved in vascular inflammation and may represent a novel class of diagnostic biomarkers in cardiovascular disease. We aimed to identify the miR expression profile in human advanced coronary atherosclerotic plaques (CAP) and to connect this expression to the processes in atherosclerosis. Microarray techniques and TaqMan polymerase chain reaction were used to analyse the global expression of 352 miRs in CAP obtained during ACS MULTI-LINK study. 11 miRs were selected on the basis of their implication in atherosclerosis, endothelial activation, and inflammation. 6 miRs were found to be differently expressed in CAP when compared to non-atherosclerotic internal mammary arteries (IMA, p < 0.05). The expression of miR-21, -92a, and -99a was verified and found to be significantly up-regulated in CAP versus IMA (p < 0.001). We also performed bioinformatic analysis and found several potential target genes of miR-92a and -99a as well as several pathways with impact on atherosclerosis which could be differently expressed due to this miRNA profile. The most up-regulated miRs are involved in processes known to be connected to atherosclerosis. Interfering with the miR expression in the artery wall is a potential way to affect atherosclerotic plaque and cardiovascular disease development.