A functional polymorphism of PON1 interferes with microRNA binding to increase the risk of ischemic stroke and carotid atherosclerosis

► T allele carriers of PON1 rs3735590 had lower risk of ischemic stroke. ► T allele carriers had thinner intima-media thickness of internal carotid arteries. ► PON1 is a novel direct target gene of miR-616 by 3′UTR reporter assays. ► The binding ability of miR-616 and PON1 gene expression is regulated by SNP rs3735590.