Reduced Atrial Prolactin (PRL) Expression as a Potential Biomarker for Atrial Fibrillation
Session Number
1
Advisor(s)
Dr. Karim Ullah, University of Chicago: Arora Lab
Location
A149
Discipline
Biology
Start Date
15-4-2026 10:15 AM
End Date
15-4-2026 11:00 AM
Abstract
Prolactin (PRL) is a multifunctional hormone primarily known for its roles in lactation and 66 reproduction, but it is also expressed in many non-reproductive tissues. In the present study, PRL expression in cardiac tissue was investigated and its potential as a biomarker for atrial fibrillation (AF) was evaluated. Large-scale tissue-specific expression data from the GTEx database were analyzed using BioJupies. PRL expression in atrial tissue showed no significant age-related changes when individuals aged 20–29 years were compared with those aged 60–69 years. In contrast, PRL expression was significantly increased with aging in left ventricular tissue (p = 3.78 × 10⁻³), suggesting tissue-specific regulation of PRL in the heart. To examine PRL expression during AF, RT-PCR analysis was performed in control and rapid atrial pacing (RAP) dog hearts. PRL expression was markedly reduced in most cardiac tissues of RAP dogs compared with controls. The largest decrease was observed in the posterior left atrium, where PRL expression declined by 62% (p = 0.0059). These findings suggest that reduced PRL expression may contribute to atrial remodeling and support PRL as a potential biomarker for atrial fibrillation.
Reduced Atrial Prolactin (PRL) Expression as a Potential Biomarker for Atrial Fibrillation
A149
Prolactin (PRL) is a multifunctional hormone primarily known for its roles in lactation and 66 reproduction, but it is also expressed in many non-reproductive tissues. In the present study, PRL expression in cardiac tissue was investigated and its potential as a biomarker for atrial fibrillation (AF) was evaluated. Large-scale tissue-specific expression data from the GTEx database were analyzed using BioJupies. PRL expression in atrial tissue showed no significant age-related changes when individuals aged 20–29 years were compared with those aged 60–69 years. In contrast, PRL expression was significantly increased with aging in left ventricular tissue (p = 3.78 × 10⁻³), suggesting tissue-specific regulation of PRL in the heart. To examine PRL expression during AF, RT-PCR analysis was performed in control and rapid atrial pacing (RAP) dog hearts. PRL expression was markedly reduced in most cardiac tissues of RAP dogs compared with controls. The largest decrease was observed in the posterior left atrium, where PRL expression declined by 62% (p = 0.0059). These findings suggest that reduced PRL expression may contribute to atrial remodeling and support PRL as a potential biomarker for atrial fibrillation.