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Published on: June 15, 2018
Therapeutic implications of microRNAs in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Aram Lee1, Danielle McLean2, Jihea Choi1
1Department of Life Systems, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 140-742, Korea.
Abstract:
microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, non-coding RNAs that play critical posttranscriptional regulatory roles typically through targeting of the 3'-untranslated region of messenger RNA (mRNA). Mature miRNAs are known to be involved in global cellular processes, such as differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and organogenesis, due to their capacity to target multiple mRNAs. Thus, imbalances in the expression and/or activity of miRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a progressive disease characterized by vascular remodeling due to excessive proliferation of pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Recently, studies have evaluated the roles of miRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of PAH in these pulmonary vascular cells. This review provides an overview of recent discoveries on the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of PAH and discusses the potential for miRNAs as therapeutic targets and biomarkers of PAH.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate cellular processes and are implicated in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) pathogenesis. This review explores miRNA roles in PAH and their potential as therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
- Dysregulation of miRNAs is linked to various diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
- PAH involves vascular remodeling driven by pulmonary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cell proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on miRNA involvement in PAH pathogenesis.
- To discuss the potential of miRNAs as therapeutic targets for PAH.
- To explore the utility of miRNAs as biomarkers for PAH.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on miRNAs in pulmonary vascular cells.
- Analysis of miRNA expression and function in PAH models and patients.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on miRNA-mediated mechanisms in PAH.
Main Results:
- miRNAs play critical roles in regulating cellular processes relevant to PAH.
- Specific miRNAs are dysregulated in PAH, contributing to vascular remodeling.
- Evidence suggests miRNAs can modulate PAEC and PASMC proliferation and survival.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs are key players in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
- Targeting specific miRNAs offers a promising therapeutic strategy for PAH.
- miRNAs hold potential as reliable biomarkers for PAH diagnosis and prognosis.
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