Role of noncoding RNAs in cardiac ageing

Lijo N Varghese; Daryl O Schwenke; Rajesh Katare

doi:10.3389/fcvm.2023.1142575

Role of noncoding RNAs in cardiac ageing

Front Cardiovasc Med. 2023 Mar 22:10:1142575. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1142575. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Lijo N Varghese¹, Daryl O Schwenke¹, Rajesh Katare¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Physiology, HeartOtago, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Abstract

The global population is estimated to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, of which 2.1 billion will comprise individuals above 60 years of age. As the number of elderly is estimated to double from 2017, it is a victory of the modern healthcare system but also worrisome as ageing, and the onset of chronic disease are correlated. Among other chronic conditions, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in the aged population. While the underlying cause of the age-associated development of CVDs is not fully understood, studies indicate the role of non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lnc-RNAs) in the development of age-associated CVDs. miRNAs and lnc-RNAs are non-coding RNAs which control gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. The expression of specific miRNAs and lnc-RNAs are reportedly dysregulated with age, leading to cardiovascular system changes and ultimately causing CVDs. Since miRNAs and lnc-RNAs play several vital roles in maintaining the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system, they are also being explored for their therapeutic potential as a treatment for CVDs. This review will first explore the pathophysiological changes associated with ageing. Next, we will review the known mechanisms underlying the development of CVD in ageing with a specific focus on miRNA and lnc-RNAs. Finally, we will discuss the therapeutic options and future challenges towards healthy cardiac ageing. With the global ageing population on the rise, this review will provide a fundamental understanding of some of the underlying molecular mechanisms of cardiac ageing.

Keywords: cardiac ageing; cardiovascular disease; long non-coding RNA; microRNA; molecular changes; non-coding RNA.

Publication types

Review

Grants and funding

RK received a project grant from MBIE, NZ (UOOX2205) that supports part of his research time to write this review. LNJ is supported by the PhD scholarship from the Government of Maharastra, India and PhD consumables fund from the Department of Physiology, University of Otago, New Zealand.