Noncoding RNA as potential therapeutics to rescue mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are crucial for mitochondrial function, particularly in cardiovascular diseases.
• While ncRNA manipulation is studied, their therapeutic application for cardiovascular diseases remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the roles of ncRNAs in mitochondrial dysfunction across cardiovascular diseases.
• To explore the potential of ncRNAs as mitochondrial-targeted therapeutics for cardiovascular conditions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed using Web of Science and Scopus databases.
• PRISMA guidelines were followed, including only English-language original research articles.
• 76 studies were included, identifying up to 100 ncRNAs as potential therapeutic biomarkers.

Main Results:

• Identified ncRNAs regulate key mitochondrial processes: oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), fission/fusion, apoptosis, and calcium handling.
• Mitochondrial targeting strategies (peptides, liposomes, aptamers) can be conjugated to ncRNAs.
• Delivery to the heart can be achieved via pericardial or myocardial injections.

Conclusions:

• ncRNAs represent promising therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases by modulating mitochondrial function.
• Effective in vivo delivery methods for mitochondrial-targeting ncRNA therapeutics require further development.