MicroRNAs and Cardiovascular Diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucially involved in the embryonic development of the cardiovascular system, and they contribute to the maintenance of proper postnatal cardiac and vascular function. Dysregulation of miRNA expression is detected in response to pathological stimuli and cardiovascular risk factors and is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and pathological remodeling in heart failure. Besides their role in posttranscriptional gene regulation, miRNAs in the cardiovascular system also feature non-conventional modes of action and localization, being also released to contribute to intercellular communication. Here, we will discuss the contribution of miRNAs in cardiac and vascular homeostasis, as well as their contribution to major cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and cardiac remodeling. We will focus on the role of miRNAs with preferential cardiovascular expression and with possible therapeutic relevance. Moreover, we will review the potential of using miRNAs as disease-specific diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers for cardiovascular disease. Finally, we will summarize the approaches to manipulate miRNA expression and function highlighting the main candidates tested in clinical trials for future therapeutic applications.