[MicroRNAs: what cardiologists should know about them?]

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
• Dysregulation of miRNA expression is implicated in various cardiovascular pathologies, affecting cardiac and vascular proteins.
• Over 2000 human miRNAs have been identified, with hundreds showing altered expression in disease states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of miRNAs in cardiovascular pathophysiology.
• To highlight miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on miRNA function in cardiovascular systems.
• Analysis of miRNA involvement in cellular processes like apoptosis, proliferation, and hypertrophy.
• Discussion of therapeutic strategies involving miRNA modulation (e.g., anti-miRs).

Main Results:

• MiRNAs regulate critical cardiovascular processes including apoptosis, proliferation, migration, left ventricle hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, and conduction.
• MiRNAs can be therapeutically targeted using synthetic molecules, expression vectors, or anti-miRs.
• MiRNAs are secreted into body fluids and serve as potential biomarkers, particularly for myocardial infarction.

Conclusions:

• MiRNAs represent a significant new class of therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases.
• Circulating miRNAs are promising biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring cardiovascular conditions like myocardial infarction.