MicroRNA, MicroRNA-lncRNA and MicroRNA-Circular RNA axes, and exosomal MicroRNAs: driving exercise-induced...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Regular physical activity is a key strategy for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and management.
• Molecular mechanisms underlying exercise-induced cardioprotection are not fully understood.
• Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in cellular regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of ncRNAs, particularly miRNAs, in exercise-induced cardioprotection.
• To explore interactions within miRNA-lncRNA and miRNA-circRNA axes.
• To examine the function of exosomal miRNAs as exerkines in inter-organ communication.

Main Methods:

• Literature synthesis of ncRNA biogenesis, functions, and exercise-responsive profiles.
• Focus on specific miRNAs (e.g., miR-1, miR-133, miR-21), lncRNA-miRNA networks (e.g., MALAT1/miR-150-5p), and circRNA-miRNA interactions (e.g., circUtrn/miR-132/212).
• Analysis of exosomal miRNAs from various tissues and their signaling pathways (e.g., PI3K/AKT, NF-κB) in CVD models.

Main Results:

• Exercise-modulated miRNAs distinguish physiological "athlete's heart" from pathological hypertrophy.
• ncRNA networks regulate key processes like angiogenesis, fibrosis, metabolism, apoptosis, inflammation, and extracellular matrix remodeling.
• Exosomal miRNAs mediate remote cardioprotective effects by activating survival and anti-fibrotic pathways.

Conclusions:

• ncRNAs are pivotal mediators of exercise benefits for cardiovascular health.
• Specific ncRNAs and their networks represent potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for heart failure.
• Understanding ncRNA variability based on demographics and exercise type is crucial for personalized interventions.