ROLE OF LONG NON-CODING RNAS IN THE REGULATION OF THE NOTCH PATHWAY: IMPLICATION FOR CALCIFIC AORTIC VALVE STENOSIS

Introduction: Calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) is the most common valvular heart disease. The disease process is largely driven by an abnormal mineralization of leaflets. The Notch pathway is involved in the osteogenic transition of valve interstitial cells (VICs) and palys an important role in CAVS. However, the molecular processes involved in the regulation of Notch signaling in CAVS remain to be determined Hypothesis: Long non-coding RNAs (Long ncRNAs) may be involved in the control of the Notch pathway Methods: We analyzed the gene expression pattern of valvular tissues (controls and CAVS) using microarrays. Furthermore, we explored the role of a Long ncRNA on the mineralization of VICs. Signaling of the Notch pathway was investigated by promoter luciferase activity and by analyzing mRNA levels of target genes Results: A transcriptomic study revealed that a Long ncRNA is overexpressed in CAVS. This result was confirmed by q-PCR in a larger group of aortic valve tissues (n=152). Silencing and over...