MicroRNAs: From Junk RNA to Life Regulators and Their Role in Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiogenetics

卷:11

Paolo Calabrò¹  Giuseppe Limongelli²  Fabio Fimiani²  Federica Amodio²  Martina Caiazza² 

[1] Division of Cardiology, AORN Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano, 81100 Caserta, Italy;

[2] Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy;

关键词: miRNA;    biomarkers;    cardiomyopathy;    hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;    arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy;    dilated cardiomyopathy;   

DOI  :  10.3390/cardiogenetics11040023

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded small non-coding RNA (18–25 nucleotides) that until a few years ago were considered junk RNA. In the last twenty years, they have acquired more importance thanks to the understanding of their influence on gene expression and their role as negative regulators at post-transcriptional level, influencing the stability of messenger RNA (mRNA). Approximately 5% of the genome encodes miRNAs which are responsible for regulating numerous signaling pathways, cellular processes and cell-to-cell communication. In the cardiovascular system, miRNAs control the functions of various cells, such as cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts, playing a role in physiological and pathological processes and seeming also related to variations in contractility and hereditary cardiomyopathies. They provide a new perspective on the pathophysiology of disorders such as hypertrophy, fibrosis, arrhythmia, inflammation and atherosclerosis. MiRNAs are differentially expressed in diseased tissue and can be released into the circulation and then detected. MiRNAs have become interesting for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for various diseases, including heart disease. In this review, the concept of miRNAs and their role in cardiomyopathies will be introduced, focusing on their potential as therapeutic and diagnostic targets (as biomarkers).

【 授权许可】

Unknown