[Non-coding RNA : Innovative regulators with therapeutic perspective]

Abstract

As a result of the Human Genome Project it became evident that only 1-3% of all gene transcripts encode proteins. The vast majority of gene transcripts are in fact characterized as non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). These ncRNAs have a huge impact on diverse physiological and pathological mechanisms within an organism. In particular, microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are differentiated by their size and function, are involved in the regulation and development of many illnesses. In the context of heart and cardiovascular diseases numerous ncRNAs have also already been described in some detail. As these molecules represent therapeutic target structures, ncRNAs provide a completely new level for the discovery of promising therapeutic approaches. Many approaches have already been developed aimed at influencing the expression levels of specific ncRNAs in order to induce beneficial effects on pathological processes. In fact, first medications based on miRNAs have already achieved approval. Additionally, ncRNAs contained in plasma can serve as new non-invasive diagnostic markers for the detection of diseases.

Keywords: Biomarker; Cardiovascular diseases; Long noncoding RNA; MicroRNA; Noncoding ribonucleic acids.