Identification of TFEB gene genetic variants in acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Background: Abnormal lipid metabolism and inflammation play critical roles in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis and its associated complications, including coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Autophagic-lysosomal system is involved in many physiological processes, such as lipid metabolism and inflammation. TFEB, a master regulator of the system, coordinates the expression of lysosomal hydrolases, lysosomal membrane proteins, and autophagic proteins. Altered level of TFEB gene expression and subsequent changes of autophagic-lysosomal system may be involved in the onset of CAD and AMI.Methods: In this study, the promoter of the TFEB gene was genetically and functionally analyzed in AMI patients (n=352) and ethnic-matched healthy controls (n=337).Results: A total of fifteen genetic variants, including eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), were identified in the participants. Two novel genetic variants and four SNPs were only identified in six AMI patients, and significantly altered the transcriptional activity of the TFEB gene in cultured cells. Further electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that two genetic variants (g.41737144A>G and g.41736544C>T) and two SNPs [g.41737274T>C (rs533895008) and g.41736987C>T (rs760293138)] evidently affected the binding of transcription factors.Conclusions: Our findings suggested that the genetic variants in TFEB gene promoter may change TFEB levels, contributing to AMI as a low-frequency risk factor.