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Published on: August 25, 2020
MicroRNAs and atherosclerosis: new actors for an old movie
D Santovito1, A Mezzetti, F Cipollone
1European Center of Excellence on Atherosclerosis, Hypertension and Dyslipidemia, and Clinical Research Center - Center of Excellence on Aging (Ce.S.I.), G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
Abstract:
To date, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, short, non-coding RNA sequences able to regulate gene expression principally at the post-transcriptional level. Initially, they were thought to be involved only in developmental timing of worms. Their involvement in human biology was recently discovered and many studies have been performed to demonstrate the role of miRNA in human cancer. Since the first observation in 2005 of their implication in cardiac biology, many studies have demonstrated their role in the genetic modulation of cardiovascular development and in cardiovascular diseases such as cardial remodeling and heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac ischaemia, cardiac fibrosis, atherosclerosis and stroke. Thus, the aim of this review is to describe the role of miRNA in atherosclerosis development and evolution and to individuate their role as potential therapeutic target.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in cardiovascular diseases. This review explores their role in atherosclerosis, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets for heart conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Genetics
- RNA Biology
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global health burden.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression.
- Emerging evidence links miRNAs to cardiovascular development and diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of miRNAs in atherosclerosis.
- To identify miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on miRNA and atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of miRNA's involvement in cardiovascular diseases.
- Exploration of therapeutic potential.
Main Results:
- miRNAs significantly modulate cardiovascular development.
- Specific miRNAs are implicated in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
- miRNAs influence various cardiovascular conditions including atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs play a critical role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.
- Targeting miRNAs offers a promising therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases.
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