Gene expression differences in cardiovascular disease

Abstract

The results of three studies about gene expression differences in cardiovascular disease are presented within this thesis. The first topic covers the involvement of the HMGA2 gene in cellular processes found in acute aortic dissection, a disease characterised by the splitting of the aortic layers leading to a high mortality. The results suggest the upregulation of HMGA2 in the endothelium of aortic dissection tissue, accompanied by the transition of these endothelial cells to mesenchymal cells. The second study focuses on differences of the spatial distribution of the eNOS protein within the aorta of patients with bicuspid aortic valve, a common congenital heart defect. The results of this study indicate the spatial dyregulation of the eNOS protein, probably due to an altered hemodynamic, and the associated irregular nitric oxide distribution. The miRNA 208a was quantified in tissue of atrial fibrillation patients in the third study. The miRNA expression was significantly decreased in long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation compared to persistent atrial fibrillation, suggesting a decline over the course of the arrhythmia.