Cardiac microRNAs: diagnostic and therapeutic potential

Abstract

MicroRNAs are small non-coding post-translational biomolecules which, when expressed, modify their target genes. It is estimated that microRNAs regulate production of approximately 60% of all human proteins and enzymes that are responsible for major physiological processes. In cardiovascular disease pathophysiology, there are several cells that produce microRNAs, including endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, macrophages, platelets, and cardiomyocytes. There is a constant crosstalk between microRNAs derived from various cell sources. Atherosclerosis initiation and progression are driven by many pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic microRNAs. Atherosclerotic plaque rupture is the leading cause of cardiovascular death resulting from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and leads to cardiac remodeling and fibrosis following ACS. MicroRNAs are powerful modulators of plaque progression and transformation into a vulnerable state, which can eventually lead to plaque rupture. There is a growing body of evidence which demonstrates that following ACS, microRNAs might inhibit fibroblast proliferation and scarring, as well as harmful apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, and stimulate fibroblast reprogramming into induced cardiac progenitor cells. In this review, we focus on the role of cardiomyocyte-derived and cardiac fibroblast-derived microRNAs that are involved in the regulation of genes associated with cardiomyocyte and fibroblast function and in atherosclerosis-related cardiac ischemia. Understanding their mechanisms may lead to the development of microRNA cocktails that can potentially be used in regenerative cardiology.

Circ-MBOAT2 Regulates Angiogenesis via the miR-495/NOTCH1 Axis and Associates with Myocardial Perfusion in Patients with Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion

“…Mi-RNAs have been demonstrated to play various roles in cardiovascular diseases [18], including the coronary collateral circulation in patients with CTO [19]. A previous study identified some differentially expressed miRNAs in patients with CTO with well-or poorly developed collateral circulation [20].…”

A Non-Coronary, Peripheral Arterial Atherosclerotic Disease (Carotid, Renal, Lower Limb) in Elderly Patients—A Review: Part I—Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Atherosclerosis-Related Diversities in Elderly Patients

“…Atherosclerosis is not solely initiated by atherogenic lipoproteins such as Lp(a), LDL, IDL, or VRDL, but also by genetic factors, such as short non-coding nucleotide sequences of microRNAs [ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ]. These microRNAs play a role in the regulation of all metabolic pathways through the selective blocking of mRNA, which then affects the production of proteins and enzymes [ 42 ].…”

Potential Role of Natural Antioxidants in Countering Reperfusion Injury in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Ischemic Stroke

“…For example, in patients who have suffered an acute coronary syndrome, miR-1, miR-21, miR-29a, miR-30a, miR-34a, miR-146a, miR-150, and miR-208a expression have been associated with left ventricular remodeling, while the expression levels of miR-150 could serve as a positive predictor [ 18 ]. In a recent review, the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of cardiac miRs were studied [ 41 ]. Among the potential therapeutic targets in cardiac ischemia reperfusion, it was reported that the infarct size can be reduced by the inhibition of miR-15b [ 42 ], whereas an improvement of cardiac function and reduction in remodeling have been achieved by targeting miR-92a [ 43 ], miR-15b [ 42 ] and miR-208a-3p [ 44 ].…”