Non-Coding RNAs in the Therapeutic Landscape of Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy

Joana Silva1,2, Paula A da Costa Martins1,3

  • 1Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Cells
|June 10, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) show therapeutic potential for treating pathological cardiac hypertrophy, a major contributor to heart failure mortality. Oligonucleotide therapies targeting these ncRNAs are advancing, with some already in clinical trials.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Molecular Medicine
  • RNA Therapeutics

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart failure, remain a significant global health burden with limited long-term survival rates.
  • Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a primary driver of morbidity and mortality in heart failure, lacking effective treatments.
  • Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as critical regulators of cardiac hypertrophy pathways, presenting novel therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms of cardiac hypertrophy.
  • To explore the role of ncRNAs in cardiac hypertrophy.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of oligonucleotide-based therapies targeting ncRNAs for heart failure.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms involving ncRNAs in cardiac hypertrophy.
  • Evaluation of oligonucleotide delivery strategies and therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

  • ncRNAs play a significant role in regulating the signaling pathways of cardiac hypertrophy.
  • Preclinical studies in animal models demonstrate successful amelioration of cardiac hypertrophy using ncRNA-targeting drugs.
  • An antisense oligonucleotide therapy for heart failure has progressed to clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • ncRNA-targeting therapies represent a promising new avenue for treating pathological cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
  • Advances in oligonucleotide drug delivery are crucial for overcoming current challenges and realizing the clinical potential of these therapies.
  • ncRNA-based treatments for cardiac hypertrophy are becoming an increasingly attainable reality in clinical practice.

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