Non-Coding RNA in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Mechanisms, Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of functional RNAs that regulate gene expression in a post-transcriptional manner. NcRNAs include microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs. They are highly expressed in the brain and are involved in the regulation of physiological and pathophysiological processes, including cerebral ischemic injury, neurodegeneration, neural development, and plasticity. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and physical disability worldwide. Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) occurs when brain blood flow stops, and that stoppage results in reduced oxygen and glucose supply to cells in the brain. In this article, we review the latest progress on ncRNAs in relation to their implications in AIS, as well as their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. We also review ncRNAs acting as possible therapeutic targets in future precision medicine. Finally, we conclude with a brief discussion of current challenges and future directions for ncRNAs studies in AIS, which may facilitate the translation of ncRNAs research into clinical practice to improve clinical outcome of AIS.