Micro-RNAs: New Biomarkers and Novel Applications for Heart Disease Prevention and Treatment

MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) have emerged as pivotal modulators of mammalian cardiovascular development and disease over the past few years. They represent a biological mechanism for regulating gene expression and consequently a broad range of physiological and pathological molecular processes. Importantly, multiple miRNAs have been implicated in heart disease onset and progression, whereas in the case of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, recent data are changing our perception of disease pathogenesis and therapeutics. This review presents the concept of miRNAs, mechanisms of generation, and representative examples of associations with cardiovascular disease pathogenesis and therapeutic potential.