MicroRNAs and angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is a complex process during which new vessels shape from pre-existing vasculature by a collaboration of pro- and anti-angiogenic signaling pathways. However, in pathological situations, the same angiogenic signaling pathways are dysregulated and exploited, typically resulting in cancer, inflammation and other cardiovascular diseases. MicroRNAs have emerged as a novel class of endogenous, small and non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression via degradation or translational inhibition of mRNAs and proteins. Recent studies have illustrated that microRNAs play incomparable roles in angiogenesis via regulating vascular cell differentiation, migration, proliferation and apoptosis through their target genes. This review summarizes the latest insights in the identification of vascular-specific microRNAs and discusses their potential clinical applications in vascular diseases.