Circular RNAs as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Target in Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a family of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that are endogenous and widely distributed in different species, performing several functions, mainly their association with microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins. CVDs remain the leading cause of death worldwide; therefore, the development of new therapies and strategies, such as gene therapies or nonpharmacological therapies, with low cost, such as physical exercise, to alleviate these diseases is of extreme importance for society. With increasing evidence of ncRNA participating in the progression of CVDs, several studies have reported these RNAs as promising targets for diagnosis and treatment. There are several studies of CVDs and the role of miRNAs and lncRNAs; however, little is known about the new class of RNAs, called circRNAs, and CVDs. In this mini review, we focus on the mechanisms of circRNAs and CVDs.

Keywords: cardiovascular diseases; circRNAs; physical exercise.

Figure 1

Biogenesis, forms, functions, and biological roles of circRNAs. miRNA—microRNAs; RBP—RNA-binding proteins.

Figure 2

circRNAs associated with human CVDs. AH—arterial hypertension, MI—myocardial infarction, I/R—ischemia/reperfusion injury, CAD—coronary artery disease, AAA—abdominal aortic aneurysm. ↑—upregulated, ↓—downregulated.