Role of microRNAs in cardiovascular diseases and their therapeutic implications

Abstract Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are important regulators of cellular homeostasis and diseases and their roles in the development, physiology, and diseases of cardiovascular system are indispensable. Here, in this chapter, we will focus on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their potential for therapeutic targeting. We will focus on various risk factors for CVDs and their regulation by miRNA. Moreover, the role of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of different CVDs along with their functional targeting will be the key theme of this chapter. Emphasis will be given to miRNAs that are potential biomarkers of CVDs and present an opportunity for their early diagnosis and prevention. Recent efforts for noninvasive miRNA profiling for the diagnostic purpose will be discussed. The challenges associated with miRNA therapeutics along with the recent efforts to overcome those difficulties will be discussed.