Objective: To study microRNA profile alteration in unstable angina (UA) patients and its functional network via nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling pathway.
Methods: Whole blood microRNAs were isolated from individuals with angiographically negative report (n=6) and UA patients (n=6), Taqman low-density microRNA array was performed to detect the microRNA profile, and SAM tool was conducted to calculate the differential expressed microRNA. Bioinformatic prediction tools (Targetsan, Miranda, Diana-microT) were used to obtain microRNA target genes. Targets'enriched pathways were analyzed by DAVID and biological function clusters were figured out by Panther database. The functional network of microRNAs by Cytoscape was costructed.
Results: In the study, 20 microRNAs were significantly upregulated in the UA group were observed. Their main target signaling pathways were NGF, their target genes' functional clusters were in signal transduction, cell proliferation and differentiation, cell cycles, immunity and inflammation, neurogenesis, neuronal activity and apoptosis.
Conclusion: To upregulate microRNAs in UA patients is a major way to inhibit NGF signaling pathways, whose function is to suppress cell proliferation and differentiation, immunity and inflammation, neuronal growth, etc., and to stabilize the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque.