%0 Journal Article
%T Evaluation of Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) Involvement in Human Atrial Fibrillation: A Computational Study.
%A Fagone P
%A Mangano K
%A Basile MS
%A Munoz-Valle JF
%A Perciavalle V
%A Nicoletti F
%A Bendtzen K
%J Genes (Basel)
%V 15
%N 5
%D 2024 05 16
%M 38790263
%F 4.141
%R 10.3390/genes15050634
%X In the present study, we have explored the involvement of Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) in atrial fibrillation (AF), by using a meta-analysis of publicly available human transcriptomic data. The meta-analysis revealed 565 upregulated and 267 downregulated differentially expressed genes associated with AF. Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted a significant overrepresentation in immune-related pathways for the upregulated genes. A significant overlap between AF differentially expressed genes and TLR4-modulated genes was also identified, suggesting the potential role of TLR4 in AF-related transcriptional changes. Additionally, the analysis of other Toll-like receptors (TLRs) revealed a significant association with TLR2 and TLR3 in AF-related gene expression patterns. The examination of MYD88 and TICAM1, genes associated with TLR4 signalling pathways, indicated a significant yet nonspecific enrichment of AF differentially expressed genes. In summary, this study offers novel insights into the molecular aspects of AF, suggesting a pathophysiological role of TLR4 and other TLRs. By targeting these specific receptors, new treatments might be designed to better manage AF, offering hope for improved outcomes in affected patients.