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Can Non-Coding RNAs Serve as Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Disease?

In This Video

  • Non-coding RNAs comprise a majority of the genome, but never translate into protein and were once considered of little use
  • It is now known that these RNAs are released from most cell types and may play an important role in signaling between these cells
  • A team of Mass General researchers, led by Saumya Das, MD, PhD, are working to identify RNA prognostic biomarkers for cardiovascular disease

Saumya Das, MD, PhD, co-director of Resynchronization and Advanced Cardiac Therapeutics Program conducts research focused on the discovery and identification of RNA biomarkers in plasma that may prognosticate outcomes related to heart failure and arrhythmic events. A Mass General and Brigham and Women’s research team, led by Dr. Das, is currently validating a newly discovered set of RNA markers in over 4,000 patients as a part of a large-scale, NIH-funded study. Dr. Das hopes one day, certain sets of RNA markers might translate in the clinic as a test to help stratify patients based on risk for earlier and more definitive intervention.

Refer a patient to the Corrigan Minehan Heart Center

Learn more about the Das Laboratory

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