The potential role of miRNAs in calcification of cardiovascular diseases

MicroRNA is a class of endogenous noncoding 17-25 nucleotides RNAs that regulate gene expression. Recently, more and more works have been appeared confirming the important role of miRNAs in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Calcification mechanisms include impaired regulation of calcium and phosphate metabolism, activation of the signaling pathways that regulate bone formation, and suppression of the signaling pathways responsible for maintaining the smooth muscle cell phenotype. The involvement of microRNAs was demonstrated for each of these mechanisms, which emphasizes the significant contribution of microRNAs to the development of calcification of blood vessels. This review summarizes the scientific data on microRNAs that are proven to be involved in the development of in vitro and in vivo calcification of their targets, as well as the latest achievements in microRNA studies in the context of vascular calcification. We also discuss the possibility of their use for early diagnostics and treatment of calcification in cardiovascular diseases. © 2019, Silicea-Poligraf. All rights reserved.