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MicroRNAs in peripheral artery disease: potential biomarkers and pathophysiological mechanisms
Andrew Ring1, Ahmed Ismaeel1, Marissa Wechsler2
1Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease of atherosclerosis in the lower extremities. PAD carries a massive burden worldwide, while diagnosis and treatment options are often lacking. One of the key points of research in recent years is the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are short 20-25 nucleotide single-stranded RNAs that can act as negative regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression. Many of these miRNAs have been discovered to be misregulated in PAD patients, suggesting a potential utility as biomarkers for PAD diagnosis. miRNAs have also been shown to play an important role in many different pathophysiological aspects involved in the initiation and progression of the disease including angiogenesis, hypoxia, inflammation, as well as other cellular functions like cell proliferation and migration. The research on miRNAs in PAD has the potential to lead to a whole new class of diagnostic tools and treatments.
Insights
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) research highlights microRNAs (miRNAs) as key players. Misregulated miRNAs in PAD patients show promise as diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a widespread condition affecting lower extremities, characterized by atherosclerosis.
- Current diagnostic and treatment options for PAD are insufficient, posing a significant global health burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathophysiology of PAD.
- To explore the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PAD.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of miRNA expression profiles in PAD patients.
- Review of existing literature on miRNA involvement in PAD-related processes.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are identified as critical regulators in PAD.
- Misregulation of specific miRNAs is observed in PAD patients, indicating their potential as biomarkers.
- miRNAs are implicated in key PAD mechanisms like angiogenesis, hypoxia, and inflammation.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs represent a novel class of biomarkers for PAD diagnosis.
- Targeting miRNAs offers a promising avenue for developing new PAD treatments.
- Further research into miRNA function in PAD can advance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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