MiRNAs: potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for cerebral ischaemia

Abstract

MiRNAs are short single-stranded non-coding RNAs that cause degradation or repression of target mRNAs by base pairing with their 3′-untranslated regions. Recent studies have shown that miRNAs play an important role in the occurrence and development of cerebral ischaemia, as well as exerting regulatory effects. Additionally, circulating miRNAs in peripheral blood, which are dysregulated following cerebral ischaemia, have recently been identified as useful biomarkers in diagnosis and prognosis of cerebral ischaemia. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in miRNA genes or target sites are likely to cause complex functional consequences by affecting miRNA biogenesis or target selection. Research on miRNA-SNPs is rapidly growing, and recent studies have identified a significant relationship between miRNAs and ischemic disease. We also address the latest advances in miRNA-based therapeutic approaches for ischemic disease. In conclusion, our review summarizes current research regarding miRNAs and cerebral ischaemia, focusing on the regulatory role of miRNAs in cerebral ischaemia, as well as the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cerebral ischaemia.

Keywords:

• MiRNAs
• Cerebral ischaemia
• Aetiology
• Diagnosis
• Therapy

Acknowledgements

We are deeply grateful to all participants of this study.

Conflicts of interest

None.

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 81501006].