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MicroRNAs as Therapeutic Targets and Clinical Biomarkers in Atherosclerosis

Emma L Solly1,2, Catherine G Dimasi1, Christina A Bursill1,2

  • 1Vascular Research Centre, Heart and Vascular Health Program, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|December 19, 2019
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise in treating atherosclerosis by regulating cellular processes. These molecules also serve as biomarkers for disease severity, offering potential theranostic applications in cardiovascular disease management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a major global health burden, driven by chronic inflammation and complex cellular interactions.
  • Current therapies for atherosclerosis have advanced but a holistic approach targeting intricate signaling networks is needed.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional regulators influencing molecular pathways and cellular functions relevant to atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the emerging role of miRNAs in atherosclerosis.
  • To explore miRNAs as both therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers.
  • To highlight the theranostic potential of miRNAs in cardiovascular disease management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research on miRNAs in atherosclerosis.
  • Analysis of miRNA involvement in cellular mechanisms of plaque development.
  • Evaluation of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers for disease severity.

Main Results:

  • miRNAs are crucial regulators of cellular processes involved in atherosclerosis.
  • Circulating miRNAs show potential as biomarkers for diagnosing and assessing cardiovascular disease.
  • miRNAs offer theranostic capabilities, combining therapeutic and diagnostic functions.

Conclusions:

  • miRNAs represent a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies against atherosclerosis.
  • miRNA-based biomarkers can enhance clinical diagnosis and personalize cardiovascular disease treatment.
  • The theranostic potential of miRNAs offers a holistic approach to managing atherosclerosis.

Keywords:
angiogenesisendothelial dysfunctionfoam cell formationinflammationoxidative stressplaque ruptureplaque stabilitysmooth muscle cellsvasa vasorum

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