Research advances on role of microRNAs in congenital heart diseases

Abstract:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs, which mainly regulate gene expression through post-transcriptional process. They are highly conserved, tissue-specific and highly specific in miRNA-binding on 3’-untranslated regions. MicroRNAs have been identified as crucial regulators in myocardial cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, migration of cardiac neural crest cells, cardiac morphogenesis and cardiac patterning processes, which may provide a new insight into the research on developmental mechanism of congenital heart diseases. The research on miRNAs in congenital heart diseases includes clinical research and animal experiments. This article reviews two types of research advances, the mechanism of congenital heart diseases, and the current status and limitation of the domestic reports.