Am J Cardiovasc Dis 2011;1(2):138-149
Review Article
Extracellular/circulating microRNAs and their potential role in cardiovascular
disease
Hongyan Zhu, Guo-Chang Fan
Department of Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
Received June 24, 2011; accepted June , 2011; Epub June , 2011; published July 30, 2011
Abstract: microRNAs (miRs, miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate hundreds of gene expression. Numerous
studies have demonstrated that miRNAs are not only found intracellularly, but also detectable outside cells, including
various body fluids (i.e. serum, plasma, saliva, urine, breast milk, and tears). Interestingly, ~90% of extracellular miRNAs
are packaged with proteins (i.e. Ago2, HDL, and other RNA-binding proteins) and ~10% are wrapped in small
membranous particles (i.e. exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies). It is believed that these extracellular miRNAs
mediate cell-to-cell communication. Recent studies further indicated that the level and composition of these
extracellular/circulating miRNAs correlated well with disease or injurious conditions. Uncovering the potential role of
extracellular miRNAs in the heart is just emerging. This review will highlight recent exciting findings in the regulation of
miRNA biogenesis and secretion, their functional roles as paracrine signaling, and the potential as non-invasive
biomarkers for cardiovascular disease. (AJCD1106003).
Keywords: microRNA, extracellular, biomarker, paracrine, intercellular communication
Full Text PDF
Address all correspondence to:
Guo-Chang Fan, PhD
Department of Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
231 Albert Sabin Way
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0575
Phone: (513) 558-2340
Fax: (513) 558-2269
E-mail: fangg@ucmail.uc.edu
Review Article
Extracellular/circulating microRNAs and their potential role in cardiovascular
disease
Hongyan Zhu, Guo-Chang Fan
Department of Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
Received June 24, 2011; accepted June , 2011; Epub June , 2011; published July 30, 2011
Abstract: microRNAs (miRs, miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate hundreds of gene expression. Numerous
studies have demonstrated that miRNAs are not only found intracellularly, but also detectable outside cells, including
various body fluids (i.e. serum, plasma, saliva, urine, breast milk, and tears). Interestingly, ~90% of extracellular miRNAs
are packaged with proteins (i.e. Ago2, HDL, and other RNA-binding proteins) and ~10% are wrapped in small
membranous particles (i.e. exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies). It is believed that these extracellular miRNAs
mediate cell-to-cell communication. Recent studies further indicated that the level and composition of these
extracellular/circulating miRNAs correlated well with disease or injurious conditions. Uncovering the potential role of
extracellular miRNAs in the heart is just emerging. This review will highlight recent exciting findings in the regulation of
miRNA biogenesis and secretion, their functional roles as paracrine signaling, and the potential as non-invasive
biomarkers for cardiovascular disease. (AJCD1106003).
Keywords: microRNA, extracellular, biomarker, paracrine, intercellular communication
Full Text PDF
Address all correspondence to:
Guo-Chang Fan, PhD
Department of Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
231 Albert Sabin Way
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0575
Phone: (513) 558-2340
Fax: (513) 558-2269
E-mail: fangg@ucmail.uc.edu
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