Targeting smooth muscle microRNAs for therapeutic benefit in vascular disease

In view of the bioinformatic projection that a third of all protein coding genes and essentially all biological pathways are under control of microRNAs (miRNAs), it is not surprising that this class of small RNAs plays roles in vascular disease progression. MiRNAs have been shown to be involved in cholesterol turnover, thrombosis, glucose homeostasis and vascular function. Some miRNAs appear to be specific for certain cells, and the role that such cell-specific miRNAs play in vascular disease is only beginning to be appreciated. A notable example is the miR-143/145 cluster which is enriched in mature and highly differentiated smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Here we outline and discuss the recent literature on SMC-expressed miRNAs in major vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, neointima formation, aortic aneurysm formation, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Forced expression of miR-145 emerges as a promising strategy for reduction and stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques as well as for reducing neointimal hyperplasia. It is concluded that if obstacles in the form of delivery and untoward effects of antimirs and mimics can be overcome, the outlook for targeting of SMC-specific miRNAs for therapeutic benefit in vascular disease is bright.