MicroRNAs in the onset and development of cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Physiological and pathological roles for small non-encoding miRNAs (microRNAs) in the cardiovascular system have recently emerged and are now widely studied. The discovery of widespread functions of miRNAs has increased the complexity of gene-regulatory processes and networks in both the cardiovascular system and cardiovascular diseases. Indeed, it has recently been shown that miRNAs are implicated in the regulation of many of the steps leading to the development of cardiovascular disease. These findings represent novel aspects in miRNA biology and, therefore, our understanding of the role of these miRNAs during the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease is critical for the development of novel therapies and diagnostic interventions. The present review will focus on understanding how miRNAs are involved in the onset and development of cardiovascular diseases.

Figure 1. Schematic representation of miRNA biogenesis

miRNA biogenesis is initiated with the processing of primary miRNA transcripts in the nucleus by DROSHA/DGCR8, to generate a pre-miRNA. Pre-miRNA is exported to the cytoplasm by Exportin 5 and further processed into a miRNA duplex by Dicer. One of the single stands (mature miRNA) is incorporated into RISC and binds the 3′-UTR of the target miRNA leading to mRNA degradation or translational repression. RNA pol II, RNA polymerase II.