Title:Intracellular and Extracellular miRNAs in Regulation of Angiogenesis Signaling
Volume: 1
Issue: 4
Author(s): Nnenna A. Finn and Charles D. Searles
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Angiogenesis, exosomes, extracellular miRNA, gene expression, intracellular miRNA, microparticles, microvesicles
Abstract: Angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels are formed, is a critical phenomenon that is activated
during various stages of mammalian development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of short, single stranded, non-coding
RNAs, are recognized as important regulators of angiogenesis, and the role of intracellular miRNAs in modulating angiogenesis
signaling has been identified. The recent discovery of extracellular and circulating miRNAs has sparked new
questions regarding their potential in modulating angiogenesis signaling not only within cells but also between cells. In
this review, we discuss the characteristics of intracellular and extracellular miRNAs and decipher the potential functional
roles for these molecules in regard to the angiogenic process. We summarize what is currently known about circulating
miRNAs in distinct clinical populations and discuss evidence that implicates extracellular miRNAs as novel mediators of
angiogenesis-associated intercellular signaling. Lastly, we offer a new perspective on the functional role of vesicleencapsulated
circulating miRNA in modulating angiogenesis signaling pathways.
