Targeting a Particular MicroRNA Treats Heart Failure in Mice

An enemy of an enemy is a friend.

Calcium uptake by cardiomyocytes is critical to excitation-contraction coupling and ventricular function. A protein important in calcium uptake is SERCA2a. We knew that levels of this protein are depressed in patients with heart failure, but we didn't know why.

A multi-institutional team speculated that particular microRNAs (miRNAs) might downregulate expression of SERCA2a (NEJM JW Gen Med Dec 31 2003). Of 875 candidate miRNAs, only 1 profoundly lowered SERCA2a levels: microRNA-25 (miR-25). Levels of miRNA-25 were high in failing heart muscle of both mice and humans. But are high levels of miR-25 the cause or the effect of heart failure?

Using gene therapy to increase levels of miR-25 in mouse myocardium led to depressed contractility. Conver…

Reviewing Author

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Targeting a Particular MicroRNA Treats Heart Failure in Mice

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Reviewing Author