Title:The mir-221/222 Cluster is a Key Player in Vascular Biology via the Fine-Tuning of Endothelial Cell Physiology
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Author(s): Tanja Celic, Valérie Metzinger-Le Meuth, Isabelle Six, Ziad A. Massy and Laurent Metzinger
Affiliation:
Keywords:
MicroRNA, endothelium, endothelial dysfunction, senescence, angiogenesis, atherosclerosis.
Abstract: The discovery of small RNAs has shed new light on microRNA (mRNA) regulation and a
range of biological processes. The recognition that miRNAs-221 and -222 are sensitive regulators in the
endothelium may enable the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Given that endothelial
dysfunction precedes the development of atherosclerosis and contributes to the development of
cardiovascular damage, circulating miRNAs produced by Endothelial Cells (ECs) are putative biomarkers
for a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, EC proliferation and migration have a critical
role in the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), an important component of physiological processes
and tumour growth. Hence, the use of anti-angiogenic miRNAs might constitute a novel therapeutic
strategy.
Along with endothelial angiogenesis, several other processes involving ECs (such as neointimal lesion
formation, vascular inflammation, lipoprotein metabolism and hypertension) are critical factors in atherogenesis
and atherosclerosis. The fact that human blood-derived progenitor cells, endothelial progenitor
cells, umbilical vein ECs and quiescent ECs express high levels of miR-221/222 suggests an important
role for this miRNA cluster in endothelial (patho) physiology.
The present article reviews current knowledge on miRNAs-221/222’s regulation roles in endothelial function
and disease in general and angiogenesis in particular.
