AngiomiRs--key regulators of angiogenesis

Curr Opin Genet Dev. 2009 Jun;19(3):205-11. doi: 10.1016/j.gde.2009.04.002. Epub 2009 May 14.

Abstract

The formation of new blood vessels through the process of angiogenesis is critical in vascular development and homeostasis. Aberrant angiogenesis leads to a variety of diseases, such as ischemia and cancer. Recent studies have revealed important roles for miRNAs in regulating endothelial cell (EC) function, especially angiogenesis. Mice with EC-specific deletion of Dicer, a key enzyme for generating miRNAs, display defective postnatal angiogenesis. Specific miRNAs (angiomiRs) have recently been shown to regulate angiogenesis in vivo. miRNA-126, an EC-restricted miRNA, regulates vascular integrity and developmental angiogenesis. miR-378, miR-296, and the miR-17-92 cluster contribute to tumor angiogenesis. Manipulating angiomiRs in the settings of pathological vascularization represents a new therapeutic approach.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Vessels / physiology
  • Endothelial Cells / physiology*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological
  • Mutation
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / genetics
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / physiology*
  • Ribonuclease III / genetics
  • Ribonuclease III / metabolism
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / genetics
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Ribonuclease III