Gene Expression Profiling Reveals Distinct Molecular Signatures Associated With the Rupture of Intracranial Aneurysm

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25860257
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Human genetics
• Research Institution: National Institute of Genetics
• Principal Investigator: HIROFUMI Nakaoka 国立遺伝学研究所, 総合遺伝研究系, 特任研究員 (70611193)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 脳動脈瘤 / くも膜下出血 / 網羅的遺伝子発現解析 / 炎症 / マクロファージ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We compared gene expression profiles in aneurysmal domes between unruptured and ruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs and RIAs, respectively) to elucidate biological mechanisms predisposing to the rupture. By classifying the samples into subgroups showing similar gene expression patterns, we demonstrated RIAs segregated into 2 distinct subgroups (early and late RIAs). Comparing gene expression levels between early RIAs and UIAs, we identified 430 upregulated and 617 downregulated genes in early RIAs. The results suggest that macrophage-mediated inflammation is a key biological pathway for IA rupture. The identified genes can be good candidates for molecular markers of rupture-prone IAs and therapeutic targets.

Free Research Field

統計遺伝学