Non-coding RNAs in vascular disease - from basic science to clinical applications: scientific update from the Working Group of Myocardial Function of the European Society of Cardiology

Abstract Non-coding RNAs are increasingly recognized not only as regulators of various biological functions but also as targets for a new generation of RNA therapeutics and biomarkers. We hereby review recent insights relating to non-coding RNAs including microRNAs (e.g. miR-126, miR-146a), long non-coding RNAs (e.g. MIR503HG, GATA6-AS, SMILR), and circular RNAs (e.g. cZNF292) and their role in vascular diseases. This includes identification and therapeutic use of hypoxia-regulated non-coding RNAs and endogenous non-coding RNAs that regulate intrinsic smooth muscle cell signalling, age-related non-coding RNAs, and non-coding RNAs involved in the regulation of mitochondrial biology and metabolic control. Finally, we discuss non-coding RNA species with biomarker potential. This article is part of the Mini Review Series from the Varenna 2017 meeting of the Working Group of Myocardial Function of the European Society of Cardiology.