Selective blockade of microRNA-31-5p/calcitonin receptor interaction reverses established atrial fibrosis and atrial arrhythmia burden
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ABSTRACT: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is promoted by atrial fibrosis, a form of structural remodelling for which effective therapies are lacking. MicroRNA-31-5p (miR-31-5p), an ageing-associated, atrial-enriched microRNA, has been linked to AF, but its role in atrial fibrosis is unknown. Here we show that atrial fibroblasts from patients with persistent AF exhibit increased miR-31-5p expression and reduced expression of the calcitonin receptor (CTR, encoded by CALCR). MiR-31-5p directly represses CTR and promotes profibrotic fibroblast responses, whereas its inhibition restores CTR expression. Fibroblast-specific overexpression of miR-31 in mice reduces atrial CTR expression, increases atrial fibrosis and enhances arrhythmia susceptibility. Selective disruption of miR-31-5p/CALCR binding using a locked nucleic acid target-site blocker restores atrial CTR expression, prevents fibrosis progression and reduces arrhythmia burden. In mice with established atrial remodelling, this strategy promotes fibrosis regression, identifying the miR-31-5p/CTR axis as a potential therapeutic target in AF.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE294333 | GEO | 2026/09/11
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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