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Control of cardiovascular differentiation by microRNAs

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Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs, which control gene expression either by inducing mRNA degradation or by blocking translation, and play a crucial role in tissue homeostasis. In the cardiovascular system, miRs were shown to control cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and apoptosis, angiogenesis, and vessel remodeling. In addition, miRs regulate stem cell maintenance and some miRs induced cell fate decisions. This review summarizes the current insights into the control of stem cells and lineage commitment by miRs focusing specifically to the regulation of endothelial, smooth muscle, and cardiac lineage.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB834, Exc 147/1) and the European Research Council (Advanced grant “Angiomir”).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine, University of Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt, Germany

    Kisho Ohtani & Stefanie Dimmeler

  2. Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany

    Stefanie Dimmeler

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  1. Kisho Ohtani
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Correspondence to Stefanie Dimmeler.

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Ohtani, K., Dimmeler, S. Control of cardiovascular differentiation by microRNAs. Basic Res Cardiol 106, 5–11 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00395-010-0139-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00395-010-0139-7

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