Identification of a circulating microvesicle protein network involved in ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Membrane microvesicles (MVs) are released from activated cells, most notably platelets, into the circulation. They represent an important mode of intercellular communication, and their number is increased in patients with acute coronary syndromes. We present here a differential proteomic analysis of plasma MVs from ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients and stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) controls. The objective was the identification of MVs biomarkers/drug targets that could be relevant for the pathogenesis of the acute event. Proteome analysis was based on 2D-DIGE, and mass spectrometry. Validations were by western blotting in an independent cohort of patients and healthy individuals. A systems biology approach was used to predict protein-protein interactions and their relation with disease. Following gel image analysis, we detected 117 protein features that varied between STEMI and SCAD groups (fold change cut-off ≥2; p