MicroRNAs in heart failure: Small molecules with major impact

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potent modulators of mammalian gene expression, thereby broadening the spectrum of molecular mechanisms orchestrating human physiological and pathological cellular functions. Growing evidence suggests that these small non-coding RNA molecules are pivotal regulators of cardiovascular development and disease. Importantly, multiple miRNAs have been specifically implicated in the onset and progression of heart failure, thus providing a new platform for battling this multi-faceted disease. This review introduces the basic concepts of miRNA biology, describes representative examples of miRNAs associated with multiple aspects of HF pathogenesis, and explores the prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic potential of miRNAs in the cardiology clinic.