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RNA Editing Therapeutics: Advances, Challenges and Perspectives on Combating Heart Disease
Maria Birgaoanu1, Marco Sachse2, Aikaterini Gatsiou3
1Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK.
Insights
RNA editing, a cellular process altering RNA identity, shows promise for treating cardiovascular diseases. This review explores RNA editing mechanisms and their therapeutic potential for heart conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Genetics and Genomics
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global cause of death, with rising incidence despite current treatments.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are crucial to combat the increasing burden of cardiovascular diseases.
- RNA editing, particularly adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) conversion by ADARs, influences RNA function and gene expression.
Approach:
- This review introduces fundamental concepts of RNA editing.
- It highlights the link between RNA editing and cardiovascular disease pathophysiology.
- The focus is on the therapeutic applications of RNA editing in cardiovascular medicine.
Key Points:
- Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, catalyzed by ADAR enzymes, is a key post-transcriptional modification.
- Dysregulation of RNA editing has been implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases.
- Targeting RNA editing pathways offers a novel therapeutic avenue for cardiovascular conditions.
Conclusions:
- RNA editing represents a promising frontier for developing innovative treatments for cardiovascular diseases.
- Further research into RNA editing mechanisms and therapeutic exploitation is warranted.
- Harnessing RNA editing could lead to precise and efficient interventions for cardiovascular conditions.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease still remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current pharmacological or interventional treatments help to tackle symptoms and even reduce mortality, but cardiovascular disease cases continue to rise. The emergence of novel therapeutic strategies that precisely and efficiently combat cardiovascular disease is therefore deemed more essential than ever. RNA editing, the cell-intrinsic deamination of adenosine or cytidine RNA residues, changes the molecular identity of edited nucleotides, severely altering the fate of RNA molecules involved in key biological processes. The most common type of RNA editing is the deamination of adenosine residue to inosine (A-to-I), which is catalysed by adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs). Recent efforts have convincingly liaised RNA editing-based mechanisms to the pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system. In this review, we will briefly introduce the basic concepts of the RNA editing field of research. We will particularly focus our discussion on the therapeutic exploitation of RNA editing as a novel therapeutic tool as well as the future perspectives for its use in cardiovascular disease treatment.
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