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Review
. 2019 Oct 1;115(12):1716-1731.
doi: 10.1093/cvr/cvz211.

Non-coding RNA in endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Melanie S Hulshoff  1   2   3 , Gonzalo Del Monte-Nieto  4 , Jason Kovacic  5 , Guido Krenning  1
Affiliations
Review

Non-coding RNA in endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Melanie S Hulshoff et al. Cardiovasc Res. .

Abstract

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is the process wherein endothelial cells lose their typical endothelial cell markers and functions and adopt a mesenchymal-like phenotype. EndMT is required for development of the cardiac valves, the pulmonary and dorsal aorta, and arterial maturation, but activation of the EndMT programme during adulthood is believed to contribute to several pathologies including organ fibrosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, modulate EndMT during development and disease. Here, we review the mechanisms by which non-coding RNAs facilitate or inhibit EndMT during development and disease and provide a perspective on the therapeutic application of non-coding RNAs to treat fibroproliferative cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: Cardiac development; Cardiovascular disease; Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT); Non-coding RNA; Plasticity.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
EndMT in development. During embryonic development, EndMT contributes to the cardiac valves, pulmonary and dorsal aorta arterial maturation, and sprouting angiogenesis (partial EndMT).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Pathological EndMT. During adult life, reactivation of EndMT contributes to several pathologies such as pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, brain vascular malformation, cancer progression, and tissue fibrosis.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Molecular control of EndMT. EndMT is induced by several environmental factors as well as signalling pathways which result in transcription of EndMT transcription factors which facilitate EndMT.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Non-coding RNA mechanisms of action. Examples of how non-coding RNAs interfere with biological processes in cells (e.g. transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional regulation, and sponging of miRNAs).
Figure 5
Figure 5
MicroRNA in EndMTOverview of microRNAs (miRNAs) that induce or inhibit EndMT. miRNA inducers and inhibitors of EndMT are depicted in green and red, respectively. *A different role during pathology and development.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Long non-coding RNA in EndMT. Overview of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that induce or inhibit EndMT. lncRNA inducers and inhibitors of EndMT are depicted in green and red, respectively.
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