Work

MicroRNAs and their role in heart transplantation insights into rejection mechanisms: A narrative review

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Heart transplantation is the definitive treatment for patients with advanced heart failure and refractory symptoms. However, allograft rejection-both acute and chronic-remains a major cause of morbidity, leading to graft dysfunction and failure. Traditionally, endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) has been the standard method for screening allograft rejection. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA sequences that regulate gene expression by binding to the 3' untranslated regions of complementary mRNA transcripts. This review explores the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for detecting allograft rejection in heart transplant recipients. MiRNAs may serve as non-invasive "liquid biopsies," providing a novel approach to monitor and manage post-transplant patients.

Source: JHLT Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhlto.2026.100496

Authors: Rossella Loria, Antonio Giuseppe Bianculli, Paola Giustiniani, Maria Troiano, Marco Andreani, Giorgia Grutter

Institutions: Instituto Nazionale Tumori Regina Elena, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico

Language: English

Topic: Transplantation: Methods and Outcomes

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,500