MicroRNAs in heart failure: new targets in disease management

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2013 Oct;94(4):480-9. doi: 10.1038/clpt.2013.138. Epub 2013 Jul 12.

Abstract

Heart failure is the leading cause of mortality in Western society and represents the fastest growing subclass of cardiovascular diseases. An increasing body of evidence indicates an important role for microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis and progression of heart failure. miRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that regulate expression of target genes by sequence-specific binding to the 3' untranslated region of messenger RNA, which results in degradation or translational repression. To date, many miRNAs (and their targets) that play a role in diverse aspects of cardiac remodeling and heart failure development have been identified. Here, we give an overview of these miRNAs and their role in cardiac pathogenesis. In addition, we provide brief insight into the potential of miRNAs as novel therapeutic targets for heart failure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiomegaly / drug therapy
  • Cardiomegaly / genetics
  • Endomyocardial Fibrosis / drug therapy
  • Endomyocardial Fibrosis / genetics
  • Excitation Contraction Coupling / drug effects
  • Excitation Contraction Coupling / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy*
  • Heart Failure / genetics
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / drug effects*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • Models, Cardiovascular
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / trends*
  • Ventricular Remodeling / drug effects
  • Ventricular Remodeling / genetics

Substances

  • MicroRNAs