Abstract
The microRNAs are short noncoding RNA molecules responsible for translational repression
and silencing of target genes via binding to the mRNA. They are found in all eukaryotic
cells and play a critical role in virtually all physiological processes, including
within the cardiovascular system where they influence cellular development, differentiation,
cardiovascular function, hemostasis, and programmed cell death. Dysregulated microRNA
expression is associated with several conditions ranging from cancer and autoimmune
disease to infection. Progressively, it has become increasingly clear that microRNAs
are important components of the host response to microbes. The cardiovascular system,
coupled with cells of the innate immune system, provide the initial interaction and
first response to microbial infection, respectively. This review presents the current
state of knowledge regarding the role of microRNAs with emphasis on their role in
controlling endothelial cell function.
Keywords
vascular endothelial cell - microRNA - infection - sepsis
