The role of microRNAs in cardiac development and regenerative capacity

The mammalian heart has long been considered to be a postmitotic organ. It was thought that, in the postnatal period, the heart underwent a transition from hyperplasic growth (more cells) to hypertrophic growth (larger cells) due to the conversion of cardiomyocytes from a proliferative state to one of terminal differentiation. This hypothesis was gradually disproven, as data were published showing that the myocardium is a more dynamic tissue in which cardiomyocyte karyokinesis and cytokinesis produce new cells, leading to the hyperplasic regeneration of some of the muscle mass lost in various pathological processes. microRNAs have been shown to be critical regulators of cardiomyocyte differentiation and proliferation and may offer the novel opportunity of regenerative hyperplasic therapy. Here we summarize the relevant processes and recent progress regarding the functions of specific microRNAs in cardiac development and regeneration.