REVIEW article

Front. Cardiovasc. Med., 12 April 2021

Sec. General Cardiovascular Medicine

Volume 8 - 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2021.632392

Role of MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Coronary Artery Disease

  • 1. Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

  • 2. Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

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Abstract

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the main reason of cardiovascular mortalities worldwide. This condition is resulted from atherosclerotic occlusion of coronary arteries. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in the regulation of proliferation and apoptosis of endothelial cells, induction of immune responses and different stages of plaque formation. Up-regulation of miR-92a-3p, miR-206, miR-216a, miR-574-5p, miR-23a, miR-499, miR-451, miR-21, miR-146a, and a number of other miRNAs has been reported in CAD patients. In contrast, miR-20, miR-107, miR-330, miR-383-3p, miR-939, miR-4306, miR-181a-5p, miR-218, miR-376a-3p, and miR-3614 are among down-regulated miRNAs in CAD. Differential expression of miRNAs in CAD patients has been exploited to design diagnostic or prognostic panels for evaluation of CAD patients. We appraise the recent knowledge about the role of miRNAs in the development of diverse clinical subtypes of CAD.

Introduction

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the principal source of cardiovascular mortalities worldwide (1). In 2020, it is expected that 11.1 million patients die as a results of CAD related complications (2). Clinically, CAD has different categories ranging from stable angina pectoris to acute coronary syndromes which comprises unstable angina (UA) and myocardial infarction (MI) (3). The majority of MI cases are resulted from the establishment of acute intraluminal coronary thrombus inside an epicardial coronary artery and the subsequent occlusion of the coronary artery (4, 5). The acute coronary thrombosis results in a sudden decrease in the blood flow and induction of necrosis in the myocardial region which is takes the blood supply from this coronary artery (6). Some other cardiovascular pathologies might be associated with CAD. For instance, acute MI might lead to defects in functioning myocytes resulting in myocardial fibrosis and left ventricle dilatation. Subsequent induction of neurohormonal responses and left ventricle remodeling results in progressive weakening of the residual viable myocardium (7). Moreover, ischemic conditions leads to upsurge of endogenous catecholamines in the myocardial interstitial fluid which in turn increases myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis (8). Dysregulation of several microRNAs (miRNAs) has been displayed in different categories of CAD, potentiating these transcripts as biomarkers of this devastating condition (9). miRNAs have been shown to modulate gene expression at post transcriptional level via destroying mRNA targets or by obstructing their translation (10). Since each miRNA is capable of regulating expression of several transcripts, it is estimated that more than half of protein-coding genes in the human genome are influenced by miRNAs (11). Therefore, miRNAs can affect numerous important biological and cellular function such as cell differentiation, proliferation, and cell death in the cardiovascular system (12). Understanding the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of CAD would lead to identification of appropriate therapies for this global health problem. We appraise the recent knowledge about the role of miRNAs in the development of diverse clinical subtypes of CAD.

miRNAs in CAD

Function of miRNAs in CAD has been assessed in different cell types. Endothelial cells have been the mostly assessed cell type in this regard. Liu et al. have extracted circulating microvesicles (MVs) from plasma samples of CAD patients to assess signature of their miRNA constituents. Among miRNAs which were reported to regulate vascular performance, miR-92a-3p has been shown to be up-regulated in CAD cases compared with non-CAD individuals. MVs enclosing miR-92a-3p have been demonstrated to be mostly originated from endothelial cells. Treatment of these cells with oxidized LDL and IL-6 has resulted in up-regulation of miR-92a-3p levels in these cells and higher incorporation of this miRNA in MVs. Transport of these MVs to other endothelial cells has enhanced their migration and proliferation. miR-92a-3p exerts these functions through inhibition of expression of THBS1, the inhibitor of angiogenesis. Taken together, atherosclerosis enhances the incorporation of endothelial miR-92a-3p into MVs, which controls angiogenesis in recipient endothelial cells through a THBS1-associated route (13). Wang et al. have demonstrated up-regulation of miR-206 in endothelial progenitor cells as well as plasma samples gathered from CAD patients. However, expression levels of miR-206 have not been associated with clinicopathological characteristics of CAD patients. Functionally, miR-206 has been shown to inhibit the viability and invasion of endothelial progenitor cells in CAD patients, while enhancing apoptosis in these cells. miR-206 can also suppress expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (14). Moreover, this miRNA modulates endothelial progenitor cell functions through targeting the protein kinase PIK3C2α. This protein kinase has been shown to be down-regulated in endothelial progenitor cells of CAD patients. miR-206 silencing in these cells enhanced their angiogenic and vasculogenic capacities both in vitro and in an animal model of ischemia. Besides, miR-206 silencing enhanced activities of PIK3C2α, Akt, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (15). miR-216a is another miRNA which is involved in endothelial aging and dysfunction through modulating expression of Smad3. Over-expression of miR-216a in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) has activated an untimely senescence-like feature in these cells which was accompanied by defects in proliferation and migration. The consequent suppression of Smad3 has resulted in enhancement of adhesion of these cells to monocytes, modulation of the destruction of NF-κB inhibitor alpha (IκBα) and stimulation of adhesion proteins. Levels of miR-216a has been shown to be elevated in the plasma samples of old CAD patients in association with higher susceptibility to CAD (16). Figure 1 shows the cascade of involvement of miR-216a in CAD.

Figure 1

Gao et al. have demonstrated high concentrations of lipids, atherosclerotic index, apoptotic index, and KRT1-positive expression while suppression of Notch signaling pathway in the atherosclerotic mice. miR-107 has been shown to bind with KRT1, thus reducing its expression. This miRNA has been down-regulated in animal models of CAD (17). Ren et al. have reported down-regulation of miR-330 in CAD group. Overexpression of miR-330 has been shown to inhibit atherosclerotic plaques creation whereas enhancing proliferation of vascular endothelial cells through modulating MAPK8 via the WNT signaling pathway (18). Lian et al. have shown down-regulation of miR-383-3p and up-regulation of IL1R2 in myocardial tissues of atherosclerotic animals. Forced over-expression of miR-383-3p has reduced expression of IL1R2, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18, ameliorated cell apoptosis in the coronary artery endothelial cells, while enhanced IL-10 levels, cell survival, and tube construction (19). Hou et al. have reported down-regulation of miR-939 in the blood of patients with adequate coronary collateral circulation compared with those having insufficient coronary collateral circulation. Up-regulation of miR-939 in HUVECs has remarkably suppressed proliferation, adhesion and tube construction, while increasing migration capacity of these cells. γ-catenin has been identified as a direct target of miR-939 (20). Expressions of both miR-181a-5p and miR-181a-3p have been lower in the aorta plaque and plasma of animal models of CAD. Up-regulation of these miRNAs considerably delays atherosclerotic plaque development in animals. These miRNAs have functional roles in the reduction of expression of pro-inflammatory proteins and diminishing the infiltration of macrophage, leukocyte and T cell into the atherosclerotic plaques through suppression of adhesion molecule expressions in HUVECs (21). miR-376a-3p has also been down-regulated in CAD samples. In vitro studies have shown the effects of miR-376a-3p silencing in the suppression of proliferation of HUVECs through modulating NRIP1 expression (22). Table 1 displays the functional roles of miRNAs in the development of CAD, based on the results of studies which have been conducted in endothelial cells.

Table 1

microRNASamplesExpression patternAssessed cell linesGene/protein interactionsSignaling pathwayFunctionReferences
miR-92a-3pPlasma circulating microvesicles from 41 angiographically excluded CAD patients, 77 patients with stable CAD and 62 patients with acute coronary syndromeUp-regulatedECsTHBS1–Its knockdown attenuates migration and proliferation of endothelial cells through increasing THBS1 expression(13)
miR-206Blood samples from 78 patients with CAD and 65 healthy controlsUp-regulatedEPCs (endothelial progenitor cells)VEGF–Inhibits invasion and cell viability in EPCs can suppress expression of VEGF(14)
miR-206Endothelial progenitor cells collected from peripheral blood of 53 CAD patients and 34 healthy controls, Nude miceUp-regulatedEPCsPIK3C2α–Reduces migration and its knockdown rescued angiogenic and vasculogenic abilities of endothelial progenitor cells(15)
miR-216aBlood samples from 176 patients with CAD and 342 age-matched control individualsUp-regulatedHUVECsSmad3–Promotes monocytes adhesion, endothelial senescence and inflammation through regulating Smad3/IκBα axis(16)
miR-499Plasma samples from 216 CAD patients and 90 healthy individualsUp-regulatedHUVECsPDCD4NF-Kβ/TNF-α signaling pathwayPromotes apoptosis rate and decreases survival rate of endothelial cells by reducing expression of PDCD4(23)
miR-451Blood samples form 30 patients with coronary heart disease and 30 healthy controlsUp-regulatedHUVECsVEGFAPI3K-Akt-mTOR pathwaySuppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in HUVECs by targeting VEGFA(24)
miR-10780 specific-pathogen-free (SPF) Kunming miceDown-regulatedvascular endothelial cellsKRT1Notch signaling pathwayIts overexpression decreases apoptosis and inflammation so prevents atherosclerosis by targeting KRT1 and activating Notch signaling pathway(17)
miR-330Female specific pathogen free (SPF) rats with acute coronary syndromeDown-regulatedvascular endothelial cellsMAPK8WNT signaling pathwayIts overexpression inhibits formation of atherosclerotic plaques and promotes proliferation of vascular endothelial cells by targeting MAPK8(18)
miR-939Blood samples from 25 CAD patients with poor CCC and 22 CAD patients with sufficient CCCDown-regulatedHUVECsγ-catenin–Suppresses angiogenesis and abrogates vascular integrity by targeting γ-catenin(20)
miR-181a-5p
miR-181a-3p
Plasma samples from 15 CAD patients and 20 healthy controls, ApoE−/− miceDown-regulatedHUVECsTAB2, NEMONF-κB signaling pathwaymiR-181a-5p and miR-181a-3p overexpression prevents endothelium inflammation and atherosclerosis progression by targeting TAB2 and NEMO, respectively. Also they suppresses expression of adhesion molecule(21)
miR-376a-3pAnalysis of gene and microRNA expression profile datasetsDown-regulatedHUVECsNRIP1–Its overexpression augmented cell proliferation by targeting NRIP1 in NRIP1(22)
miR-495Plasma samples form 30 CAD patients and 30 age and sex matched healthy controlsDown-regulatedHUVECsCCL2–Regulated apoptosis and proliferation of HUVECs by targeting CCL2(25)
miR-383-3p30 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with coronary artery atherosclerosisDown-regulatedCoronary artery endothelial cellsIL1R2–Its upregulation reduces inflammatory cytokines expression and apoptosis rate in homocysteine-induced coronary artery endothelial cells by interacting with IL1R2(19)
miR-218Serum samples from 104 CAD patients and 101 healthy controlsDown-regulatedcardiac microvascular endothelial cells––Its upregulation promotes angiogenesis, cell proliferation and migration, enhances apoptosis rate and decreases inflammatory injury to CMECs(26)

CAD-related miRNAs whose function has been assessed in endothelial cells.

Lai et al. have reported over-expression of miR-574-5p in the serum samples and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of CAD patients. Up-regulation of miR-574-5p has enhanced cell proliferation and suppressed apoptotic processes in VSMCs through targeting ZDHHC14 (27). Down-regulation of miR-146a has been demonstrated to attenuate apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells. Autologous injection of endothelial stem cells in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction has led to downregulation of miR-146a levels, reduction of apoptosis in the myocardial cells and decrease in infarct area. Such effects have been accompanied by up-regulation of VEGF (28). Expression of miR-93 has been increased in ventricle tissues and blood samples of mice model of MI. Moreover, miR-93 has been shown to be released from cardiomyocytes cultured in hypoxic conditions. miR-93 suppresses apoptotic processes and guards cardiomyocytes from ischemia/reperfusion damage. miR-93 silencing has deteriorated cardiac remodeling in these animal models. Thus, miR-93 over-expression and release from cardiomyocytes has been regarded as an adaptive mechanism following MI to attenuate cardiac remodeling and heart failure (29). miR-448 has been shown to be over-expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) obtained from atherosclerotic plaques of coronary artery compared with those obtained from normal arteries. Expression of this miRNA is induced by PDGF-bb, a growth factor that enhances proliferation of VSMCs. MEF2C has been recognized as a direct target of miR-448 in VSMCs, though its down-regulation miR-448 enhances VSMCs migration (30). Table 2 shows the list of CAD-related miRNAs whose function has been assessed in myocardial cells or vascular smooth muscle cells.

Table 2

microRNASamplesExpression patternAssessed cell linesGene/protein interactionsSignaling pathwayFunctionReferences
miR-574-5pSerum samples from 32 CAD patients and 30 normal individualsUp-regulatedVSMCsZDHHC14–Suppresses apoptosis and promotes cell proliferation in VSMCs through targeting ZDHHC14(27)
miR-146a20 female Sprague-Dawley ratsUp-regulatedMyocardium––Injection of endothelial stem cell to rats with acute myocardial infarction caused decreased miR-146a expression and decreased cardiac apoptosis(28)
miR-93male C57BL/6 mice established as myocardial infarction (MI) modelsUp-regulatedCardiomyocytes––Suppresses apoptosis and promotes angiogenesis. Also has antioxidant effects(29)
miR-448atherosclerosis plaques and normal coronary artery tissuesUp-regulatedVSMCsMEF2C–Promotes migration and proliferation of VSMCs by targeting MEF2C(30)

CAD-related miRNAs whose function has been assessed in myocardial cells or vascular smooth muscle cells.

Wang et al. have reported down-regulation of miR-20 in animal models of CAD in association with over-expression of VEGF and PTEN. Levels of miR-20a have been up-regulated following exercise in CAD animals. Up-regulation of miR-20a has reduced levels of ET-1, TxA2, ANGII, PTEN and enhanced levels of eNOS, PGI2, and VEGF. miR-20a exerts its functions through binding with the 3′UTR of PTEN, thus enhancing cell survival and proliferation via induction of the PI3K/Akt signaling (31). Expression of miR-4306 has been decreased in platelets and platelet-originated microparticles of CAD patients. Plasma miRNA-4306 has been mostly fractionated with microparticles rather than Argonaute2 complexes or HDL. These microparticles have the ability to transfer miR-4306 into human monocyte-derived macrophages, thus suppressing their migration and decreasing the quantity of macrophages in cardiac tissue in mouse model of MI. Mechanistically, miR-4306 binds with VEGFA to suppress ERK/NF-κB signaling (32). Expression of miR-23a has been higher in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of CAD patients compared with control subjects parallel with down-regulation of TRF2 levels. Aggressive lipid lowering therapy has reduced miR-23a, enhanced TRF2 expression and attenuated telomere erosion through this route (33). Expression of miR-3614 has been decreased by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in macrophages, while LPS-associated inflammatory damage can be attenuated by up-regulation of miR-3614. This miRNA has been shown to target TRAF6 and suppress phosphorylation of kinases in the MAPK and NF-κB cascades Therefore, miR-3614/TRAF6/MAPK/NF-κB cascade can suppress devastating inflammatory responses (34). Animal studies have shown the role of miR-16 in reduction of development of atherosclerotic plaques and suppression of accretion of inflammatory factors while enhancement of release of anti-inflammatory factors. Mechanistically, miR-16 exerts these effects through downregulation of PDCD4 and activation of p38 and ERK1/2, while inactivation of JNK pathway (35). Table 3 demonstrates the relevance of miRNAs with the pathogenesis of CAD through summarizing the results of studies which reported function of miRNAs in macrophages/monocytes.

Table 3

microRNASamplesExpression patternAssessed cell linesGene/protein interactionsSignaling pathwayFunctionReferences
miR-23aBlood samples (PBMCs) from 104 CAD patients and 50 control subjectsUp-regulatedPBMCsTRF2–Contributes to telomere shortening and cellular senescence through targeting TRF2(33)
miR-4306Blood samples (platelet-derived microparticles) form CAD patients (24 AMI patients and 16 patients with stable angina pectoris) and 20 controls, C57BL/6 miceDown-regulatedPrimary human monocyte-derived macrophages–VEGFA/ERK1/2/NF-κB signaling pathwaysSuppresses migration of HMDMs by regulating VEGFA/ERK1/2/NF-κB signaling pathways(32)
miR-3614epicardial adipose tissue from 30 CAD patients and 30 controlsDown-regulatedTHP-1 (monocyte)TRAF6–Its overexpression regulated inflammatory responses by targeting TRAF6(34)
miR-124Plasma samples from 40 patients with CAD and 40 non-CAD individuals, ApoE−/− C57B/L6J miceDown-regulatedRAW264.7 (mouse macrophage cell line)p38MAPK signaling pathwayIts overexpression decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhanced expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines(36)
miR-16Blood samples (plasma and PBMCs) from 40 patients with CAD and 40 non-CAD patients, 22 ApoE−/− miceDown-regulatedPeripheral blood mononuclear cellsPDCD4–Its overexpression Suppresses atherosclerotic plaque formation and proinflammatory factors secretion and promotes release of anti-inflammatory factors(35)
miR-21Circulating monocytes from CAD patients and non-CAD patients, apoE−/− mice and miR-21−/−apoE−/− miceUp-regulatedBone-marrow-derived macrophageDusp-8–Its knockout in mice caused decreased atherosclerotic lesions and smooth muscle cells in aorta also reduced macrophage migration and macrophage-endothelium interaction.(37)

CAD-related miRNAs whose function has been assessed in macrophages/ monocytes.

Diagnostic/Prognostic Significance of miRNAs in CAD

Altered levels of miRNA in the circulation of CAD patients potentiates their usage as biomarkers in this condition. Zhong et al. have demonstrated differential expressions of tens of miRNAs in patients with UA or ST-segment elevation MI compared with normal controls. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves have revealed miR-142-3p and miR-17-5p as possible markers for diagnosis of these two classes of CAD. Moreover, differential expressed miRNAs have been correlated with the pathological events during the course of CAD (38). Vahed et al. have reported down-regulation of miR-21 in the PBMCs of patients with insignificant coronary artery stenosis compared with CAD patients or healthy subjects. Levels of this miRNA have been negatively correlated with the PTEN. Moreover, they reported a gradual elevation miR-25 expression from healthy subjects to those with insignificant coronary artery stenosis and CAD patients. Expression levels of miR-21 and miR-25 in the PBMCs could differentiate three groups of study participants (39). Yao et al. have demonstrated the capacity of miRNAs in distinguishing CAD patients with heart failure (HF) from those without HF. Among the most significantly dysregulated miRNAs between these two groups of patients have miR-221, miR-19b-5p, and miR-25-5p. Combination of expression levels of these miRNAs in PBMCs and hypertension have been significantly correlated with higher risk of HF risk in CAD patients (40). Another miRNA with promising results in diagnostic approaches is miR-122-5p which could differentiate unstable CAD patients from healthy controls with accuracy of 0.9, yet its accuracy in differentiation of stable patients from controls was not appropriate (41). A brief review of studies which demonstrated this function is presented in Table 4.

Table 4

microRNAExpression patternSamplesDiagnostic/prognostic roleROC curve analysisReferences
SensitivitySpecificityAUC
miR-142-3pUpregulatedBlood samples from 52 CAD patients and 26 normal subjectsDistinguishing UA patients from normal subjects––0.805(38)
miR-142-3pUpregulatedBlood samples from 52 CAD patients (including 26 patients with UA and 26 patients with STEMI) and 26 normal subjectsDistinguishing STEMI patients from normal subjects––0.840
miR-17-5pUpregulatedBlood samples from 52 CAD patients (including 26 patients with UA and 26 patients with STEMI) and 26 normal subjectsDistinguishing STEMI patients from normal subjects––0.845
miR-223UpregulatedPlasma samples from 300 patients with coronary heart disease and 100 controlsDiagnostic biomarker0.860.9130.933(42)
miR-223-3 pUpregulatedSerum samples from 314 patients with unstable CAD, 389 patients with stable CAD and 442 controlsDiscriminating unstable CAD patients from controls––0.76(41)
miR-122-5 pUpregulatedSerum samples from 314 patients with unstable CAD, 389 patients with stable CAD and 442 controlsDiscriminating unstable CAD patients from controls––0.90
miR-223-3 p
miR-122-5 p
along with age and gender
Upregulated
Upregulated
Serum samples from 314 patients with unstable CAD, 389 patients with stable CAD and 442 controlsdiscriminating unstable CAD patients from controls––0.96
miR-122-5 pUpregulatedSerum samples from 314 patients with unstable CAD, 389 patients with stable CAD and 442 controlsdiscriminating stable CAD patients from controls––0.63
miR-223-3 p
miR-122-5 p
along with age and gender
Upregulated
Upregulated
Serum samples from 314 patients with unstable CAD, 389 patients with stable CAD and 442 controlsDiagnostic biomarker (discriminating stable CAD patients from controls)––0.80
miR-495-3pUpregulatedBlood samples (PBMCs) from 114 patients with stable CAD(including patients with prethrombotic status (PTS) and patients without PTS) and 24 healthy volunteers as controlsDiscriminating PTS patients from non-PTS patients––0.712(43)
miR-34a-5pUpregulatedBlood samples (PBMCs) from 114 patients with stable CAD(including patients with prethrombotic status (PTS) and patients without PTS) and 24 healthy volunteers as controlsDiscriminating PTS patients from non-PTS patients––0.780
miR-34a-5palong with fibrinogenUpregulatedBlood samples (PBMCs) from 114 patients with stable CAD(including patients with prethrombotic status (PTS) and patients without PTS) and 24 healthy volunteers as controlsDiscriminating PTS patients from non-PTS patients––0.885
miR-93-5palong with FHS risk factorsUpregulatedPlasma samples from 50 patients with stable CAD, 50 patients with STEMI and 50 controlsDistinguishing CAD patients from controls––0.77(44)
miR-499a-5palong with FHS risk factorsUpregulatedPlasma samples from 50 patients with stable CAD, 50 patients with STEMI, and 50 controlsDistinguishing STEMI patients from controls––0.93
miR-146aUpregulatedPlasma samples from 34 CAD patients with good coronary collateral circulation (CCC) and 44 CAD patients with poor CCCDiscriminating CAD patients with good and poor CCC––0.939(45)
miR-208aUpregulatedPlasma samples from 290 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and 110 individuals without CHDDiagnostic biomarker0.750.930.919(46)
miR-208aUpregulatedPlasma samples from 95 patients with CAD and 50 individual without CADDiagnostic biomarker––0.819(45)
miR-370UpregulatedPlasma samples from 95 patients with CAD and 50 individual without CADDiagnostic biomarker––0.745
miR-208a
miR-370
Upregulated
Upregulated
Plasma samples from 95 patients with CAD and 50 individual without CADDiagnostic biomarker––0.856
miR-21UpregulatedSerum samples from 45 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and CAD, 45 patients with DM and heart failure (HF), 45 patients with DM, and 45 matched control subjectsdiscriminating CAD + DM group from controls0.8000.9110.944(47)
miR-21UpregulatedSerum samples from 45 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and CAD, 45 patients with DM and heart failure (HF), 45 patients with DM, and 45 matched control subjectsdiscriminating CAD + DM group from DM group0.7780.6670.755
miR-21UpregulatedSerum samples from 45 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and CAD, 45 patients with DM and heart failure (HF), 45 patients with DM, and 45 matched control subjectsdiscriminating CAD + DM form HF + DM group0.7110.5110.640
miR-21Upregulated (in ACS patients compared with CAD patients)50 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and 50 patients with stable CADDistinguishing ACS patients from CAD patients––0.775(48)
miR-151-3pUpregulated (in STEMI group)Plasma samples from 20 patients with STEMI, 20 patients with stable CAD and 20 individuals without CADDistinguishing patients with STEMI form non-CAD individuals––0.758(49)
miR-151-3pUpregulated (in STEMI group)Plasma samples from 20 patients with STEMI, 20 patients with stable CAD and 20 individuals without CADDistinguishing patients with STEMI form patients with stable CAD––0.754
miR-331Upregulated (in STEMI group)Plasma samples from 20 patients with STEMI, 20 patients with stable CAD and 20 individuals without CADDistinguishing patients with STEMI form non-CAD individuals––0.790
miR-331Upregulated (in STEMI group)Plasma samples from 20 patients with STEMI, 20 patients with stable CAD and 20 individuals without CADDistinguishing patients with STEMI form patients with stable CAD––0.773
miR-221
miR-25-5p
miR-19b-5p
Upregulated
Upregulated
Downregulated
50 CAD patients with heart failure and 48 CAD patients without heart failureCAD patients with heart failure and CAD patients without heart failure––0.860(40)
miR-221
miR-25-5p
miR-19b-5p
together with hypertension
Upregulated
Upregulated
Downregulated
50 CAD patients with heart failure and 48 CAD patients without heart failureCAD patients with heart failure and CAD patients without heart failure––0.871
miR-941UpregulatedBlood samples from 56 CAD patients [18 patients with STEMI, 18 patients non-ST elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS), and 20 patients with stable angina (SA)] and 16 patients without CADDistinguishing STEMI patients form patients without CAD––0.896(50)
miR-941UpregulatedBlood samples from 56 CAD patients (18 patients with STEMI, 18 patients non-ST elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) and 20 patients with stable angina (SA)) and 16 patients without CADdistinguishing STEMI patients form patients with SA––0.808
miR-941UpregulatedBlood samples from 56 CAD patients [18 patients with STEMI, 18 patients non-ST elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS), and 20 patients with stable angina (SA)] and 16 patients without CADDistinguishing STEMI patients form patients with NSTE-ACS––0.781
miR-133aUpregulated (in patients with PMI)Serum samples from 80 CAD patients (48 patients with periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and 32 patients without PMI)Prognostic biomarker (predicting occurrence of PMI)0.9380.7190.891(51)
miR-25UpregulatedBlood samples (PBMCs) from 72 CAD patients, 30 patients with ICAD and 74 controlsDistinguishing CAD patients from controls)0.850.780.83(39)
miR-25UpregulatedDistinguishing CAD patients from patients with ICAD0.570.760.66
miR-25UpregulatedDistinguishing ICAD patients from controls0.620.880.76
miR-25UpregulatedDistinguishing CAD patients from other subjects0.850.670.78
miR-21Downregulated (in ICAD group)Distinguishing CAD patients from patients with ICAD0.580.830.66
miR-21Downregulated (in ICAD group)Distinguishing ICAD patients from controls0.790.680.76
miR-218DownregulatedSerum samples from 104 CAD patients and 101 healthy controlsDiagnostic biomarker0.860.860.889(26)
Let-7f
miR-19a
miR-126
miR-210
miR-296
Downregulated
Downregulated
Downregulated
Downregulated
Downregulated
Plasma samples from 286 patients with CAD (including 113 patients with rapid angiographic stenotic progression (RASP) and 173 patients without RASP)Distinguishing RASP patients from non-RASP patients––0.879(51)
miR-126–Plasma samples from 46 patients with diabetes and CAD, 54 patients with diabetes but without CAD and 20 healthy controlsDiscriminating diabetic patients with and without CAD0.911–(52)
miR-210–Plasma samples from 46 patients with diabetes and CAD, 54 patients with diabetes but without CAD and 20 healthy controlsDiscriminating diabetic patients with and without CAD0.931–
miR-378DownregulatedPlasma samples from 215 CAD patients and 52 matched healthy subjectsDiagnostic biomarker––0.789(53)
let-7cDownregulatedPlasma samples from 69 CAD patients and 30 control individualsDiagnostic biomarker––0.654(54)
miR-145DownregulatedDiagnostic biomarker––0.670
miR-155DownregulatedDiagnostic biomarker––0.620
let-7c
miR-145
miR-155
Downregulated
Downregulated
Downregulated
Diagnostic biomarker––0.706
miR-132–Serum samples from 1112 patients with CAD (682 patients with stable angina pectoris and 430 patients with acute coronary syndrome)Prognostic biomarker (prediction of cardiovascular death)––0.737(55)
miR-140-3p–Prognostic biomarker (prediction of cardiovascular death)––0.756
miR-210–Prognostic biomarker (prediction of cardiovascular death)––0.754
miR-150–Blood samples (PBMCs) from 72 CAD patients with significant stenosis, 30 CAD patients with insignificant stenosis (ICAD) and 74 healthy controlsdiscriminating CAD patients from healthy controls)0.900.620.79(56)
miR-223–discriminating CAD patients from healthy controls)0.370.910.62
miR-150
miR-223
–Discriminating CAD patients from healthy controls)0.890.650.79
miR-150-Discriminating CAD patients form ICAD patients0.400.960.70
miR-223–Discriminating CAD patients form ICAD patients0.550.890.71
miR-150miR-223–Discriminating CAD patients form ICAD patients0.740.830.80
miR-423-3p–Serum samples form 64 CAD patients and 2,748 control individualsDiagnostic biomarker––0.8(57)
miR-26Downregulated45 patients with type 2 diabetes, 45 patients with type 2 diabetes and CAD and 45 healthy controlsDiscriminating patients with type 2 diabetes and CAD from healthy controls––0.948(58)
miR-26Downregulated45 patients with type 2 diabetes, 45 patients with type 2 diabetes and CAD and 45 healthy controlsdiscriminating type 2 diabetes patients with and without CAD––0.807
miR-196-5pDownregulated60 patients with early-onset CAD and 60 age- and gender-matched normal subjectsDiagnostic biomarker0.850.720.824(59)
miR-3163-3pDownregulated60 patients with early-onset CAD and 60 age- and gender-matched normal subjectsDiagnostic biomarker0.570.840.758
miR-145-3pDownregulated60 patients with early-onset CAD and 60 age- and gender-matched normal subjectsDiagnostic biomarker0.670.820.753
miR-190a-5pDownregulated60 patients with early-onset CAD and 60 age- and gender-matched normal subjectsDiagnostic biomarker0.700.750.782
miR-196aDownregulated72 patients with CAD, 30 patients with ICAD and 74 healthy controlsdistinguishing ICAD patients from CAD patients––0.75(60)

Diagnostic/prognostic significance of miRNAs in CAD (UA, unstable angina; STEMI: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction).

miRNA Polymorphisms and Copy Number Variations in CAD

Both single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variations (CNVs) within miRNA coding genes have been associated with risk of CAD. Sung et al. have examined the relation between miR-146a, miR-149, miR-196a2, and miR-499 SNPs and CAD in a Korean population. They have reported association between the miR-149 rs2292832 and miR-196a2 rs11614913 SNPs and this disorder. Notably, the miR-146a rs2910164 GG genotype has been more prevalent among CAD patients with more than two stents. Moreover, combination of miR-146a G, miR-149 T, miR-196a2 C, and mIR-499 G alleles has been considerably associated with CAD occurrence. Certain SNPs have been reported to increase susceptibility to CAD in different subclasses of study participants such as non-smokers, hypertensive and non-diabetic individuals (61). Sohrabifar et al. have evaluated the presence of CNVs of hsa-miR-93, hsa-miR-122, hsa-miR-192 in CAD patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus. They have reported remarkable differences in the distribution of CNVs of hsa-miR-93 between CAD and non-CAD as well as between diabetic CAD and diabetic non-CAD individuals. In addition, hsa-miR-122 CNVs have been differently distributed among three subgroups (62). The rs2292832 miR-149 has been associated with risk of CAD in Iranian population. However, this SNP does not either affect the secondary structure of pre-miR-149 or the stability of the miRNA hairpin structure (63). As this SNP is located outside the sequence of mature miR-149, it has been proposed that it might affect the maturation process and therefore decrease expression of miR-149 (64). T allele of rs2431697 in miR-146a has been associated with higher risk of CAD (65). In addition, the rs2910164 within this miRNA affects risk of CAD (61). This SNP resides in the precursor of miR-146a and results in down-regulation of levels of mature miR-146a (66). Table 5 reviews the investigations which appraised the role of SNPs/CNVs in conferring risk of CAD.

Table 5

microRNAPolymorphismSamplesPopulationAssay methodAssociationReferences
miR-196a2SNP (rs11614913)Blood samples from 505 CAD patients and 1,109 control subjectsChineseSNPscanâ„¢ genotyping assayWas associated with reduced risk of myocardial infarction and also was correlated with reduced risk of CAD in females(67)
miR-196a2SNP (rs11614913)Blood samples form 218 CAD patients and 611 healthy individualsMexican5′ exonuclease TaqMan assaysT allele of this polymorphism was correlated with elevated risk of CAD(68)
miR-196a2SNP (rs11614913)Greek populationPCR-RFLP, High resolution Melting (HRM), and Sanger sequencingThis polymorphism was correlated with elevated risk of CAD(69)
miR-499SNP (rs3746444)Blood samples form 200 CAD patients and 200 healthy individuals as controlsGreek populationThis polymorphism was correlated with elevated risk of CAD
miR-196a2SNP (rs11614913)Blood samples from 522 CAD patients and 535 control individualsSouth KoreanPCR-RFLPIs associated with enhanced risk of CAD in females and patients aged >63 years old. Also correlated with prevalence of CAD(61)
miR-149SNP (rs2292832)South KoreanPCR-RFLPIs associated with enhanced risk of CAD in females and patients aged >63 years old. Also correlated with prevalence of CAD
miR-146aSNP (rs2910164)South KoreanPCR-RFLPGG genotype of this SNP was correlated with risk of CAD in stent ≥2 group. Also this polymorphism was associated with elevated risk of CAD in non-smoking, hypertensive and non-diabetic subgroups
miR-146aSNP (rs2431697, rs2910164)Blood sample from 353 patients with CAD and 368 control subjectsChineseSequenom MassARRAY system and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometryCarriers of T allele in rs2431697 had enhanced risk of CAD. G allele of rs2910164 was associated with reduced risk of CAD.(65)
miR-423SNP (rs6505162)Blood samples from 100 patients with CAD and 117 gender-matched healthy subjectsIndianARMS-PCRA allele and CA genotype of this SNP was associated with augmented risk of CAD(70)
miR-224SNP (rs188519172)Blood samples from 100 CAD patients and 100 matched healthy subjects–ARMS-PCRGA genotype of this SNP was associated with reduced CAD predisposition(71)
miR-4513SNP (rs2168518)100 CAD patients and 100 healthy controlsIndianARMS-PCRT allele and CT genotype of this SNP was correlated with enhanced predisposition to CAD(71)
pre-mir-499SNP (rs3746444)288 patients with CAD and 150 control subjectsIranianPCR-RFLPFrequency of GG genotype of this SNP was significantly higher in CAD patients than controls(63)
miR-149SNP (rs2292832)272 patients with CAD and 149 control subjectsIranianPCR-RFLPTT genotype of rs2292832 was associated with CAD risk(63)
hsa-miR-93copy number variation (CNV)Blood samples from 50 CAD patients (25 diabetic and 25 non-diabetic) and 50 subjects without CAD (25 diabetic and 25 non-diabetic)IranianReal-time PCRCNVs in hsa-miR-93 were significantly different between CAD patients and non-CAD subjects. CNVs of this miRNA were significantly different between CAD patients CAD patients type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-CAD individuals without T2DM.(62)
hsa-miR-192CNVIranianReal-time PCRCNVs of hsa-miR-192 were significantly different between CAD patients with T2DM and non-CAD individuals without T2DM.
hsa-miR-122CNVIranianReal-time PCRCNVs of hsa-miR-122 were significantly different between: CAD patients and non-CAD subjects
CAD patients with T2DM and CAD patients without T2DM
CAD patients with T2DM and non-CAD individuals without T2DM

miRNA polymorphisms in CAD.

Conclusions and Perspectives

Aberrant expression of miRNAs in CAD patients has been recognized through high throughput sequencing methods in addition to candidate gene assays. An example of the former type of assays has been conducted through investigation of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database showing frequent differential expression of 150 genes and 5 miRNAs (22). Luciferase reporter assays have shown the functional interactions between a number of miRNAs and mRNAs (24, 72). miRNAs can regulate development of CAD through different mechanisms such as modulation of angiogenesis [miR-92a-3p (13), miR-939 (20), and miR-206 (14)], inflammatory responses [miR-181a-5p, miR-181a-3p (21), miR-216a (16), and miR-383-3p (19)], leukocyte adhesion [miR-21 (37) and miR-25 (39)] and modulation of activity of VSMCs [miR-574-5p (27)]. Notably, a number of miRNAs influence different aspects of this process or different targets in a certain process. For instance, miR-206 regulated expressions of VEGF, PIK3C2α, Akt, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase, all of them being involved in the angiogenic processes. NF-Kβ/TNF-α, PI3K-Akt-mTOR, WNT, and VEGFA/ERK1/2/NF-κB are among signaling pathways which are regulated by miRNAs in the context of CAD.

In addition to dysregulation of expression of miRNAs in endothelial cells and VSMCs, microvesicles originated from these cells have been shown to contain abnormal levels of miRNAs, thus these particles can broaden the extent of miRNAs effects on diverse cells. The presence of miRNAs in the circulation of CAD patients endowed them the ability to predict disease course and distinguish CAD patients from healthy subjects. Both plasma and PBMC levels of miRNAs could be used as diagnostic markers for CAD. Most importantly, miRNAs signature can predict the occurrence of CAD-related complications such as HF. Their ability in distinguishing UA from MI is another promising result of recent investigations, potentiating them as accurate diagnostic marker for stratifying patients who need urgent interventions. However, a major limitation of application of miRNAs as diagnostic or prognostic markers in CAD is the influence of other age-related factors on their expression. Identification of CAD-specific miRNAs whose expressions are not affected by patients' health condition is a major issue in this regard. Longitudinal assessment of miRNA profile in relation with health status of CAD patients and measurement of possible confounding parameters would help in identification of markers for clinical application.

Finally, several SNPs and CNVs within miRNA coding genes have been associated with risk of CAD, providing further evidence for crucial partake of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of CAD. Most notably, some genotypes of these SNPs have been associated with risk of CAD in patients with specific lifestyles or habits (61, 62), demonstrating the possible interaction between these genetic variants and environmental factors. However, the impact of these SNPs on CAD-related biological processes such as cell adhesion, inflammation, proliferation or apoptosis has not been appraised in vitro. Conduction of these types of studies would pave the way for design of targeted therapeutic interventions in CAD. Taken together, miRNAs participate in different aspects of CAD pathogenesis and could be used as specific/sensitive markers for this condition. The therapeutic application of miRNAs in CAD should be judged in upcoming studies.

Statements

Author contributions

MT and SG-F wrote the draft and revised it. MG designed the tables and collected the data. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

    Abbreviations

  • ARMS

    Amplification-Refractory Mutation System

  • ANGII

    angiotensinogen

  • TAB2, binding protein 2, CNVs

    Copy Number Variations

  • CCL2

    C-C motif chemokine ligand 2

  • copy number variations
  • CAD

    Coronary artery disease

  • EPCs

    endothelial progenitor cells

  • ET-1, endothelin 1;GEO

    Gene Expression Omnibus

  • HF

    heart failure

  • HRM

    High resolution Melting

  • HUVECs

    human umbilical vein endothelial cells

  • ICAM1

    intercellular adhesion molecule 1

  • KRT1

    keratin 1

  • LDL

    low-density lipoprotein

  • LPS

    lipopolysaccharide

  • miRNAs

    MicroRNAs

  • MI

    myocardial infarction

  • MVs

    microvesicles

  • MAPK8

    mitogen-activated protein kinase 8

  • MEF2C

    myocyte enhancer factor 2C

  • MEF2C

    myocyte enhancer factor 2C

  • IκBα

    NF-κB inhibitor alpha

  • NRIP1

    nuclear receptor interacting protein 1

  • eNOS

    nitric oxide synthase 3

  • PBMCs

    peripheral blood mononuclear cells

  • PIK3C2α

    phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 2 alpha

  • PDCD4

    programmed cell death 4

  • RFLP

    Restriction fragment length polymorphism

  • STEMI

    ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

  • SNPs

    single nucleotide polymorphisms

  • SMAD3

    SMAD family member 3

  • SPF

    specific-pathogen-free

  • THBS1

    thrombospondin 1

  • MAP3K7

    TGF-beta activated kinase 1

  • TxA2

    thromboxane A2 TxA2

  • TRF2

    telomeric repeat binding factor 2

  • TRAF6

    TNF receptor associated factor 6

  • UA

    unstable angina

  • VEGF

    vascular endothelial growth factor

  • VSMCs

    vascular smooth muscle cells

  • VCAM1

    vascular cell adhesion molecule 1

  • ZDHHC14

    zinc finger DHHC-type palmitoyltransferase 14.

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Summary

Keywords

coronary artery disease, miRNA, expression, biomarkers, myocardial infarction

Citation

Ghafouri-Fard S, Gholipour M and Taheri M (2021) Role of MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Coronary Artery Disease. Front. Cardiovasc. Med. 8:632392. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.632392

Received

23 November 2020

Accepted

18 March 2021

Published

12 April 2021

Volume

8 - 2021

Edited by

Laiyuan Wang, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China

Reviewed by

Zhi Xin Shan, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, China; Chen Gao, UCLA, United States

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: Mohammad Taheri

This article was submitted to General Cardiovascular Medicine, a section of the journal Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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