Circulating miR-29a as a new biomarker of food anaphylaxis and endothelial glycocalyx regulation

Munoz-Callejas, A.; Moreno-Vidal, A.; Henar-Izquierdo, A.; Palacio-Garcia, L.; Fernandez-Bravo, S.; de Maria-Camacho, I.; Di Giannatale, A.; Gomez-Lopez, A.; Rodriguez Del Rio, P.; Julio Laguna, J.; Benito-Martin, A.; Nunez-Borque, E.; Esteban, V.

doi:10.64898/2026.04.06.716635

bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.04.06.716635

Circulating miR-29a as a new biomarker of food anaphylaxis and endothelial glycocalyx regulation

Munoz-Callejas, A.·Moreno-Vidal, A.·Henar-Izquierdo, A.·Palacio-Garcia, L.·Fernandez-Bravo, S.·de Maria-Camacho, I.·Di Giannatale, A.·Gomez-Lopez, A.·Rodriguez Del Rio, P.·Julio Laguna, J.·Benito-Martin, A.·Nunez-Borque, E.·Esteban, V.

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Abstract

To the editorO_ST_ABSBackgroundC_ST_ABSAnaphylaxis is an acute and potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction often involving the cardiovascular system. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs/miR), including those carried by extracellular vesicles (EVs), are emerging biomarkers that display regulatory functions in allergy. This study aims to investigate the role of miR-29a in anaphylaxis. MethodsMiR-29a (3p and 5p) levels were assessed by qPCR from acute and baseline samples of serum and EVs from 70 patients with food- and drug-mediated anaphylaxis. EVs purification was confirmed by Western blot, electron microscopy, and NanoSight. MiR-29a-3p target genes were studied in silico using systems biology analysis (SBA). Moreover, miR-29a levels were evaluated in vitro in endothelial cells (ECs) exposed to anaphylactic mediators. Additionally, a panel of endothelial glycocalyx (eGCX)-associated mRNA was analyzed after transfection with a miR-29a-3p inhibitor. ResultsPatients with food-induced anaphylaxis exhibited reduced miR-29a-3p levels in both serum and EVs during the acute reaction. In contrast, miR-29a-5p levels were decreased in serum but not in EVs. No significant modulation of either miRNA was observed in drug-induced anaphylaxis. SBA of miR-29a-3p identified molecular pathways, biological processes and functional networks associated with eGCX remodelling. Intracellular levels of miR-29a-3p were modulated in vitro in ECs following exposure to anaphylactic mediators. Inhibition of miR-29a-3p significantly reduced ESM1 expression. ConclusionsThe miR-29a-3p levels are decreased in serum and EVs from patients with acute food-induced anaphylaxis, suggesting its potential as a promising biomarker. Moreover, a role for miR-29a-3p in eGCX integrity under anaphylactic conditions was demonstrated, potentially regulating ESM1. Key MessageMiR-29a-3p is selectively reduced in serum and extracellular vesicles during acute food-induced anaphylaxis and may regulate endothelial glycocalyx-related pathways, which supports its potential as a novel biomarker and molecular mediator of vascular involvement in anaphylactic reactions.

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Munoz-Callejas, A., Moreno-Vidal, A., Henar-Izquierdo, A., Palacio-Garcia, L., Fernandez-Bravo, S., de Maria-Camacho, I., Di Giannatale, A., Gomez-Lopez, A., Rodriguez Del Rio, P., Julio Laguna, J., Benito-Martin, A., Nunez-Borque, E., Esteban, V.. 2026-04-08. Circulating miR-29a as a new biomarker of food anaphylaxis and endothelial glycocalyx regulation. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.04.06.716635

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