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Updated: Mar 15, 2026
Tissue-specific miRNA Expression Profiling in Mouse Heart Sections Using In Situ Hybridization
Published on: September 15, 2018
microRNA profiling in atherosclerosis, diabetes, and migraine
Claudio Tana1, Maria Adele Giamberardino2, Francesco Cipollone2,3
1a Internal Medicine Unit, Medical Department, Guastalla Hospital, AUSL Reggio Emilia , Italy.
Abstract:
microRNAs (miRNAs) are a broad group of endogenous small non-coding molecules that reduce the transcription of mRNA and play a key role in post-transcriptional gene processes. miRNAs are involved in onset and progression of several human disorders such as infectious and immune non-infectious diseases, cancers, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. They regulate the expression of gene targets (e.g. oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes) and act as gene repressors with mRNA binding and cleavage. The increasing evidence that miRNAs play a key role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular conditions could radically change the future management approach to these disorders. This review focuses on current knowledge about the influence of miRNAs on cardiovascular disease, with particular regard to common conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and migraine. Key messages miRNAs are a group of endogenous small non-coding RNA segments measuring 19-25 nucleotides that are involved in physiologic processes and onset and progression of disorders such as infectious and immune non-infectious diseases, cancers, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. miRNAs expression guarantees vascular integrity, by regulating apoptosis, VEGF pathway and VCAM 1 expression (-126), and is involved in atherosclerotic plaque formation process and progression. Hyperglycemia, overt diabetes, and their complications are associated with overexpression of several miRNAs. An altered expression of miRNAs has also been postulated in migraine patients, although only a few preliminary studies have so far been performed with this respect.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small molecules regulating gene expression and are implicated in cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and diabetes. Understanding miRNA roles could transform cardiovascular disease management.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules crucial for post-transcriptional gene regulation.
- Dysregulation of miRNAs is linked to various human diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, cancers, and metabolic conditions.
- miRNAs influence gene targets, acting as repressors of mRNA to control protein expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of miRNA involvement in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis.
- To highlight the role of miRNAs in common cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and migraine.
- To explore how miRNA research may impact future cardiovascular disease management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles on miRNAs and cardiovascular diseases.
- Analysis of studies investigating miRNA expression and function in atherosclerosis, diabetes, and migraine.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on miRNA regulatory mechanisms in cardiovascular physiology and pathology.
Main Results:
- miRNA expression is vital for maintaining vascular integrity by regulating apoptosis and VEGF pathways.
- Specific miRNAs, like miR-126, are involved in atherosclerotic plaque formation and progression.
- Altered miRNA expression, particularly overexpression, is associated with hyperglycemia, diabetes, and its complications.
- Preliminary evidence suggests a role for altered miRNA expression in migraine pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs are significant regulators in cardiovascular health and disease.
- Further research into miRNA mechanisms in cardiovascular conditions is warranted.
- Targeting miRNAs holds potential for novel therapeutic strategies in managing cardiovascular diseases.
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