Dear Colleagues,

MicroRNAs (miRs), a class of short single-stranded noncoding RNA, is an intricate post-transcriptional modulator of critical gene expression, either by inhibiting messenger RNA (mRNA) translation or by promoting mRNA degradation. They play a significant role in major physiological and pathological processes, such as differentiation, cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy and cellular metabolism. The most extensively studied miRNAs are abundantly present in many cardiac cell types including fibroblasts, endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes. Dysregulation or aberrant expression of individual or cluster of miRNAs is linked to a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular pathogenesis and its risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy and heart failure. In the last decade, considerable research has been conducted to understanding their mechanisms of actions in the pathophysiology for developing diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutics for cardiovascular disease (CVD). 

However, due to the complexity of their pathogenic mechanisms, deciphering the precise roles of specific miRNAs in cardiac pathologies is challenging. Many studies have found that inhibition or restoration of specific miRNAs play significant roles in cardioprotection. Since circulating serum levels of many miRNAs have been associated with CVD, they are considered to be promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Therefore, future studies are warranted to developing new therapeutic as well as diagnostic approaches using miRNAs in CVD. 

To advance our knowledge to developing the miRNA-based therapeutic approaches, this Special Issue will highlight the identification and characterization of new miRNAs and their novel targets in the pathogenesis of CVD. We are inviting reviews, perspectives, and original research articles from experts around the world on miRNA signaling pathways, biogenesis, extracellular function, biomarkers, miRNA immune regulation, therapeutics, including miRNA delivery systems. The robust basic and clinical breakthrough research in miRNAs may advance the effective miRNA-based therapeutics to manage CVD.

Prof. Dr. Anindita Das

Guest Editor