LAUSR

Aim: SNPs in miRNA machinery genes may affect miRNA function by impacting their biogenesis. Here, we investigated the association between three SNPs in miRNA machinery genes (DICER rs1057035, DROSHA rs10719 and XPO5 rs11077) and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Materials & methods: Three polymorphisms were analyzed in 177 BAV patients and 414 healthy subjects by using a TaqMan®SNP assay. Results: The frequencies of XPO5 rs11077 genotype were significantly different between BAV patients and controls (p = 0.022). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, the XPO5 rs11077 C allele resulted a significant predictor of BAV (odds ratioadjusted = 0.65; CI: 0.42-0.98; p = 0.047). Conclusion: The XPO5 rs11077 SNP was associated with a decreased BAV risk supporting the causative role of miRNAs in aortic valve development.