Identifying microRNAs targeting WNT/β-catenin pathway in end-stage idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Homo sapiens

Whole genome microRNA microarray expression profiling was employed as a discovery platform to identify microRNAs dysregulated in end-stage idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients. Lung tissue from seven IPAH patients and eight failed donor controls were subjected to microarray screening. Twenty-one miRNAs were identified dyeregulated in IPAH patients compared to controls. In miRNA real-time PCR validation, 22 IPAH patients and 22 control subjects were enrolled, including the 7 IPAH and 8 controls in microarray screening. Expression levels of five miRNAs (let-7a-5p, miR-199a-3p, miR-199b-5p, miR-26b-5p and miR-27b-3p) were upregulated in technical validation. Tissue miRNA levels had positive correlation with pulmonary vascular remodeling and hemodynamic changes in IPAH patients compared to controls. Overall design: Seven IPAH patients and eight failed donor controls were enrolled. Lung tissue was obatined from lung transplantation.