MicroRNAs, fibrotic remodeling, and aortic aneurysms

J Clin Invest. 2012 Feb;122(2):490-3. doi: 10.1172/JCI62204. Epub 2012 Jan 24.

Abstract

Aortic aneurysms are a common clinical condition that can cause death due to aortic dissection or rupture. The association between aortic aneurysm pathogenesis and altered TGF-β signaling has been the subject of numerous investigations. Recently, a TGF-β-responsive microRNA (miR), miR-29, has been identified to play a role in cellular phenotypic modulation during aortic development and aging. In this issue of JCI, Maegdefessel and colleagues demonstrate that decreasing the levels of miR-29b in the aortic wall can attenuate aortic aneurysm progression in two different mouse models of abdominal aortic aneurysms. This study highlights the relevance of miR-29b in aortic disease but also raises questions about its specific role.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / prevention & control*
  • Animals
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*

Substances

  • MIRN29 microRNA, mouse
  • MIRN29a microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs