Identifying microRNA biomarkers and constructing microRNA-regulated networks in coronary artery diseases: a meta-analysis

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) places a large burden on society. Thus, exploration of novel early biomarkers and therapeutics is of great importance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are likely to represent early biomarkers of CAD that can be used to detect and monitor the progression of this disease. Materials and methods: In this study, a comprehensive meta-analysis of 28 independent miRNA expression studies relating to CAD was performed. These studies consisted of 1,337 cases and 2,303 control samples involving 263 differentially expressed miRNAs (202 up-regulated miRNAs and 109 down-regulated miRNAs). Of these, 48 miRNAs were reported in both up-regulated and down-regulated groups. Results: Seventy-one significantly dysregulated miRNAs were identified. Subsequently, miRNA target gene and enrichment analysis was performed to determine the biological and functional relevant genes involved in the meta-signature miRNA regulation. Finally, 5 pathways with the most representation and with P-values <= 0.05 were identified as "Pathways in cancer", "MicroRNAs in cancer", "Pl3K-Akt-signaling pathway", "Proteoglycans in cancer", and "MAPK-signaling pathway" and are thus suggested to be associated with these miRNAs. Conclusions: Based on this research, the identified meta-signature miRNA can be used to develop a series of specific diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for CAD that meta-signature miRNA can be used in the clinic.