Potential microRNA biomarkers for acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

Acute ischemic stroke is a significant cause of high morbidity and mortality in the aging population globally. However, current therapeutic strategies for acute ischemic stroke are limited. Atherosclerotic plaque is considered an independent risk factor for acute ischemic stroke. To identify biomarkers for carotid atheromatous plaque, bioinformatics analysis of the gene microarray data of plaque and intact tissue from individuals was performed. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the Multtest and Limma packages of R language, including 56 downregulated and 69 upregulated DEGs. Enriched microRNA (miRNA or miR) DEGs networks were generated using WebGestalt software and the STRING databases, and the miRNAs were validated using serum from acute ischemic stroke patients with reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Four confirmed differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-9, -22, -23 and -125) were associated with 28 upregulated DEGs, and 7 miRNAs (miR-9, -30, -33, -124, -181, -218 and -330) were associated with 25 downregulated DEGs. Gene ontology (GO) function suggested that the confirmed miRNA-targeted DEGs predominately associated with signal transduction, the circulatory system, biological adhesion, striated muscle contraction, wound healing and the immune system. The confirmed miRNA-targeted genes identified serve as potential therapeutic targets for acute ischemic stroke.