MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs of ∼22 nucleotides, which have increasingly been recognized as potent post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. MiRNA targeting is defined by the complementarities between positions 2–8 of miRNA 5′-end with generally the 3′-untranslated region of target mRNAs (messenger RNAs). The capacity of miRNAs to simultaneously inhibit many different mRNAs allows for an amplification of biological responses. Hence, miRNAs are extremely attractive targets for therapeutic regulation in several diseases, including cardiovascular. Novel approaches are emerging to identify the miRNA functions in cardiovascular biology processes and to improve miRNA delivery in the heart and vasculature. In the present study, we provide an overview of current studies of miRNA functions in cardiovascular cells by the use of high-content screening. We also discuss the challenge to achieve a safe and targeted delivery of miRNA therapeutics in cardiovascular cells.
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Cover Image
Cover Image
In this issue of Biochemical Society Transactions, Elliott and Jones review some of the techniques used to prepare, measure and analyse the electron transfer properties of metalloproteins, concentrating on scanning tunnelling microscopy-based techniques and advances in attachment of proteins to electrodes. The cover image, taken from Figure 2 in the review, shows the direct attachment of a protein (cytochrome b562) to gold substrate through an engineered cysteine residue. For further information see pages 1–9.
MicroRNA-based therapeutics in cardiovascular disease: screening and delivery to the target
David Mellis, Andrea Caporali; MicroRNA-based therapeutics in cardiovascular disease: screening and delivery to the target. Biochem Soc Trans 19 February 2018; 46 (1): 11–21. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20170037
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