MicroRNAs: New contributors to mechano-electric coupling and atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a multifactorial disease, which often occurs in the presence of underlying cardiac abnormalities and is supported by electrophysiological and structural alterations, generally referred to as atrial remodeling. Abnormal substrates are commonly encountered in various conditions that predispose to AF, such as hypertension, heart failure, obesity, and sleep apnea, in which atrial stretch plays a key mechanistic role. Emerging evidence suggests a role for microRNAs (small non-coding RNAs) in the pathogenesis of AF, where they can act as post-transcriptional regulators of the genes involved in atrial remodeling. This review summarizes the experimental and clinical evidence that supports the role of microRNAs in the modulation of atrial electrical and structural remodeling with a focus on overloadinduced atrial alterations, and discusses the potential contribution of microRNAs to mechano-electrical coupling and AF. (c) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Atrial fibrillation is a multifactorial disease that often occurs in the presence of underlying cardiac abnormalities and is supported by electrophysiological and structural alterations. MicroRNAs are emerging as potential regulators in the pathogenesis of AF, particularly in modulating atrial electrical and structural remodeling. Abnormal substrates in various conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, obesity, and sleep apnea contribute to the predisposition to AF.