Role of MicroRNA-326 and its Target Genes Bcl-xL and Bak as Potential Markers in Platelet Storage Lesion in Blood Banks

AbstractPlatelet transfusion is crucial in the management of various conditions such as quantitative and qualitative platelet disorders. A serious problem that impacts public health is the shortage of Platelet concentrates (PCs) that frequently affect few blood donors ’ countries, such as Egypt. This has necessitated the need to establish novel standards for determining the quality of PC during storage. It was found that microRNAs (miRNA) differential expression profile is a helpful tool for recognition of physiological platelet changes during storage. The aim of the current study was to highlight the role of platelet miRNA-326 and its putative target apoptotic genes, Bcl-xL and Bak, and their role in platelet storage lesion (PSL). Differential expression of miRNA-326 and its target genes in the apoptotic pathway, Bcl-xL and Bak was done using quantitativ e real time PCR (QR-PCR) on different storage points at day 0, day 3 and day 5 in blood bank. The results of the current study revealed over expression of miRNA-326 throughout days of storage resulted in down regulation of Bcl-xL gene and subsequently up regulation of Bak gene. MiRNA-326 contributes to platelet apoptosis and PSL through inhibition of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL expression and enhancing pro-apoptotic Bak expression. Differential miRNA-326 and its target gene, Bcl-xL and Bak, expression levels at different points of platelets storage are promising tools as biomarkers for platelets und ergoing PSL in blood banks.
Source: Indian Journal of Hematology and Blood Transfusion - Category: Hematology Source Type: research