miRNAs as biomarkers of myocardial infarction: a step forward towards personalized medicine?

Trends Mol Med. 2014 Dec;20(12):716-25. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2014.10.006. Epub 2014 Nov 5.

Abstract

miRNAs are small noncoding RNAs known to post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. miRNAs are expressed in the heart where they regulate multiple pathophysiological processes. The discovery of stable cardiac miRNAs in the bloodstream has also motivated the investigation of their potential as biomarkers. This review gathers the current knowledge on the use of miRNAs as novel biomarkers to improve risk stratification, diagnosis, and prognosis of patients with myocardial infarction. In the rapidly evolving era of biomarkers, the potential of miRNAs as promising tools to move personalized medicine a step forward is discussed.

Keywords: biomarker; miRNAs; myocardial infarction; personalized medicine; therapeutic targets.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genetic Markers
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / blood
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnosis*
  • Myocardial Infarction / genetics*
  • Myocardial Infarction / therapy*
  • Precision Medicine / methods*
  • Prognosis
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Troponin / genetics
  • Troponin / metabolism

Substances

  • Genetic Markers
  • MicroRNAs
  • Troponin