Contribution of platelet-derived microRNAs to serum microRNAs in healthy men

Abstract

Platelets are a major source of microRNAs (miRNAs) in blood. Relationships between circulating platelet-derived miRNAs were investigated to elucidate their significance as biomarkers. Total miRNAs in serum were analyzed using the 3D-Gene miRNA Oligo chip. Among 22 miRNAs that are included in platelets and play functional roles, sufficient miRNA levels for comparison were detected for 11 miRNAs (let-7b-5p, miR-16–5p, miR-17–5p, miR-24–3p, miR-107, miR-126–3p, miR-150–3p, miR-191–5p, miR-197–3p, miR-223–3p, and miR-326). Among 55 pairs prepared by these miRNAs, relatively strong correlations (Spearman’s correlation coefficient >0.8) were shown between miRNAs of 7 pairs including let-7b-5p and miR-16-5p, let-7b-5p and miR-17-5p, let-7b-5p and miR-107, miR-16–5p and miR-17-5p, miR-16-5p and miR-107, miR-17-5p and miR-107, and miR-107 and miR-126-3p. In principal component analysis, the first principal component consisted of let-7b-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-107, miR-126–3p, and miR-191-5p. These six miRNAs may be useful biomarkers that reflect platelet condition and function.

Keywords:

• Correlation
• microRNA
• platelets
• principal component

Author Contributions

I.W. conceived and designed the study and managed the measurement of miRNAs. I.W., R.E. and Y.S. collected the samples. I.W. analyzed the data and wrote the paper. R.E. edited the paper.

Disclosure Of Conflict Of Interest

The authors report that they have no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science [Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (No. 17H02184)].