The functions of LncRNA in the heart

Yao Wang1, Xianglan Sun2

  • 1Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.

Insights

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in cardiovascular diseases like myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury. This review summarizes their functions and research challenges in heart health.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global cause of mortality and morbidity.
  • Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators in various physiological and pathological processes.
  • Emerging evidence highlights lncRNAs' critical roles in the pathogenesis of CVDs, including myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the known functions of lncRNAs in cardiac physiology and pathology.
  • To discuss the current challenges and future strategies for lncRNA research in cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating lncRNA functions in the heart.
  • Analysis of lncRNA roles in cardiovascular disease mechanisms.
  • Discussion of research methodologies and potential therapeutic avenues.

Main Results:

  • lncRNAs are involved in diverse cellular processes relevant to heart function, such as epigenetic regulation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis.
  • Specific lncRNAs have been implicated in the development and progression of myocardial I/R injury and other cardiovascular conditions.
  • The precise roles of many lncRNAs in heart function remain to be fully elucidated.

Conclusions:

  • lncRNAs represent a significant class of molecules with crucial roles in cardiovascular health and disease.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand lncRNA mechanisms and harness their therapeutic potential for cardiovascular diseases.
  • Overcoming current research challenges is essential for advancing lncRNA-based strategies in cardiology.

Related Concept Videos

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs02:39

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs

In humans, more than 80% of the genome gets transcribed. However, only around 2% of the genome codes for proteins. The remaining part produces non-coding RNAs which includes ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, telomerase RNAs, and regulatory RNAs, among other types. A large number of regulatory non-coding RNAs have been classified into two groups depending upon their length – small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNA, which are less than 200 nucleotides in length, and long non-coding RNA...
9.6K
lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs02:39

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs

3.3K
Regulation of Heart Rates01:31

Regulation of Heart Rates

The regulation of heart rate is a complex process controlled by the autonomic nervous system (ANS), hormonal influences, and intrinsic cardiac mechanisms. The ANS has two main components: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
The SNS increases heart rate through the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which act on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. This action increases the rate of depolarization in the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's...
3.5K
Types of RNA01:20

Types of RNA

Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...
8.6K
Formation of Muscle Fibers from Myoblasts01:13

Formation of Muscle Fibers from Myoblasts

De novo myogenesis, or the formation of muscle fibers, begins during the early embryonic stages. The skeletal muscle is formed from somites– blocks of embryonic cell layers. The somites are further divided into dermatomes, myotomes, sclerotomes, and syndetomes. Among these, the myotomes give rise to muscle fibers.
Muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) are formed from the myotomes. MPCs express genes that encode the transcription factors Pax3 and Pax7. Along with Pax 3/7, other transcription...
5.6K
Development of the Heart01:27

Development of the Heart

The development of the human heart, a crucial organ, commences from the mesoderm on the 18th or 19th day after fertilization. This process initiates in the cardiogenic area, a group of mesodermal cells at the embryo's head end, which evolves into elongated strands known as cardiogenic cords. These cords undergo a transformation to form hollow-centered endocardial tubes.
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart...
1.8K