Non-Coding RNA Networks in Pulmonary Hypertension.

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are crucial regulators of cellular processes.
• Specific roles of microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in pulmonary hypertension (PH) are not fully understood.
• Understanding ncRNA functions in PH is vital for developing new therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize current knowledge on the functions of ncRNAs in pulmonary hypertension.
• To construct regulatory networks involving ncRNAs and their interacting molecules in PH.
• To highlight the potential clinical applications of ncRNAs in PH management.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search and manual review of studies on ncRNAs in PH.
• Systematic collection of data on ncRNA functions, experimental methods, and regulatory interactions.
• Construction of regulatory networks integrating ncRNAs (lncRNAs, circRNAs, miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) from relevant cell types.

Main Results:

• Identified and reviewed studies detailing the roles of 14 lncRNAs, 1 circRNA, and 74 miRNAs in PH.
• Constructed regulatory networks incorporating 110 mRNAs, providing a systems-level view of ncRNA involvement.
• Highlighted the complex regulatory mechanisms orchestrated by ncRNAs in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells, pulmonary artery endothelial cells, and pulmonary artery fibroblasts.

Conclusions:

• ncRNAs significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension through intricate regulatory networks.
• The synthesized knowledge and constructed networks offer a deeper understanding of ncRNA roles in PH.
• These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of targeting ncRNAs for clinical interventions in PH.