Long Noncoding RNAs as Inducers and Terminators of Vascular Development

Most of the human genome is transcribed.1 However, only 200 nt) noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized as important modulators of gene expression in several physiological and pathological settings.4,5 Recent studies have emphasized the importance of lncRNAs as potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers for heart diseases.6,7 Article see p 1278 The heart is unique in its ability to contract and acutely respond to physiological changes. A completely developed heart is made up of different cell lineages that coordinately shape different regions of the organ with unique physiological characteristics. During embryonic development, as a result of gastrulation, the 3 germ layers, that is, the ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm, are formed.8 The cells that are destined to make up the heart are derived from the mesodermal layer. …