Analysis of MIR21 gene methylation level in blood vessels and leukocytes in carotid atherosclerosis by targeting bisulphite sequencing

Abstract

We analyzed the DNA methylation level of MIR21 gene (proposed promoter, CpG island and gene body) by targeted bisulfite sequencing in blood vessels and leukocytes of patients with carotid artery atherosclerosis and in blood leukocytes of healthy individuals. We detected DNA hypomethylation at the CpG sites in the MIR21 gene in the blood vessels compared to the leukocytes (regardless of the disease). At the same time, 4 consecutive CpG sites of the MIR21 gene body were significantly hypomethylated in atherosclerotic carotid plaque compared to nearby macroscopically intact tissue. Thus, we have shown the tissue specificity at the CpG sites in the MIR21 gene for vessels and its association with carotid artery atherosclerosis.