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Updated: Oct 31, 2025
Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
An Insight into the microRNAs Associated with Arteriovenous and Cavernous Malformations of the Brain
Ioan Alexandru Florian1,2, Andrei Buruiana3, Teodora Larisa Timis4
1Clinic of Neurosurgery, Cluj County Emergency Clinical Hospital, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Abstract:
Background: Brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) and cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are rare developmental anomalies of the intracranial vasculature, with an irregular tendency to rupture, and as of yet incompletely deciphered pathophysiology. Because of their variety in location, morphology, and size, as well as unpredictable natural history, they represent a management challenge. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are strands of non-coding RNA of around 20 nucleotides that are able to modulate the expression of target genes by binding completely or partially to their respective complementary sequences. Recent breakthroughs have been made on elucidating their contribution to BAVM and CCM occurrence, growth, and evolution; however, there are still countless gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms involved. Methods: We have searched the Medline (PubMed; PubMed Central) database for pertinent articles on miRNAs and their putative implications in BAVMs and CCMs. To this purpose, we employed various permutations of the terms and idioms: 'arteriovenous malformation', 'AVM', and 'BAVM', or 'cavernous malformation', 'cavernoma', and 'cavernous angioma' on the one hand; and 'microRNA', 'miRNA', and 'miR' on the other. Using cross-reference search; we then investigated additional articles concerning the individual miRNAs identified in other cerebral diseases. Results: Seven miRNAs were discovered to play a role in BAVMs, three of which were downregulated (miR-18a, miR-137, and miR-195*) and four upregulated (miR-7-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-200b-3p, and let-7b-3p). Similarly, eight miRNAs were identified in CCM in humans and experimental animal models, two being upregulated (miR-27a and mmu-miR-3472a), and six downregulated (miR-125a, miR-361-5p, miR-370-3p, miR-181a-2-3p, miR-95-3p, and let-7b-3p). Conclusions: The following literature review endeavored to address the recent discoveries related to the various implications of miRNAs in the formation and growth of BAVMs and CCMs. Additionally, by presenting other cerebral pathologies correlated with these miRNAs, it aimed to emphasize the potential directions of upcoming research and biological therapies.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) and cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs). This review highlights specific miRNAs involved in BAVM and CCM development, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) and cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are rare vascular anomalies with complex pathophysiology.
- Their unpredictable nature and varied presentation pose significant management challenges.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, increasingly recognized for their role in vascular development and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of BAVMs and CCMs.
- To identify specific miRNAs dysregulated in BAVMs and CCMs.
- To explore potential research directions and therapeutic strategies based on miRNA involvement.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of Medline (PubMed, PubMed Central) databases.
- Inclusion of articles using keywords related to BAVMs, CCMs, and miRNAs.
- Cross-referencing to identify additional relevant studies and associated miRNAs in other cerebral diseases.
Main Results:
- Seven miRNAs were identified in BAVMs: three downregulated (miR-18a, miR-137, miR-195*) and four upregulated (miR-7-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-200b-3p, let-7b-3p).
- Eight miRNAs were identified in CCMs: two upregulated (miR-27a, mmu-miR-3472a) and six downregulated (miR-125a, miR-361-5p, miR-370-3p, miR-181a-2-3p, miR-95-3p, let-7b-3p).
Conclusions:
- miRNAs play a significant role in the formation and growth of BAVMs and CCMs.
- Specific miRNA profiles are associated with these vascular malformations.
- Understanding these miRNA implications may pave the way for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
