Circulating microRNAs and hypertension - from new insights into blood pressure regulation to biomarkers of cardiovascular risk

Simon P R Romaine, Fadi J Charchar, Nilesh J Samani, Maciej Tomaszewski

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Abstract

Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet the molecular mechanisms underpinning the development of high blood pressure remain incompletely understood. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNA molecules approximately 22 nucleotides in length that act as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. We highlight, through a review of recent literature, that studies on circulating microRNAs have provided novel insights into blood pressure regulation. They have also complemented tissue-based and animal-based experiments in shedding new light on our understanding of established pathways in hypertension, such as the renin-angiotensin system. Despite a number of challenges, we believe microRNAs herald particular potential in becoming effective biomarkers of target-organ damage in hypertension.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-7
Number of pages7
JournalCurrent opinion in pharmacology
Volume27
Early online date28 Jan 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2016

Keywords

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • Blood Pressure
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Humans
  • Hypertension
  • MicroRNAs
  • Risk Factors
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

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