MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level via either the degradation or translational repression of a target mRNA. They play an irreplaceable role in angiogenesis by regulating the proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, migration and tube formation of angiogenesis-related cells, which are indispensable for multitudinous physiological and pathological processes, especially for the occurrence and development of vascular diseases. Imbalance between the regulation of miRNAs and angiogenesis may cause many diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, aneurysm, Kawasaki disease, aortic dissection, phlebothrombosis and diabetic microvascular complication. Therefore, it is important to explore the essential role of miRNAs in angiogenesis, which might help to uncover new and effective therapeutic strategies for vascular diseases. This review focuses on the interactions between miRNAs and angiogenesis, and miRNA-based biomarkers in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of angiogenesis-related diseases, providing an update on the understanding of the clinical value of miRNAs in targeting angiogenesis.
Keywords: angiogenesis; microRNA; non-coding RNA; vascular disease.
© 2018 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.