MiRNAs: potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for cerebral ischaemia

MiRNAs are short single-stranded non-coding RNAs that cause degradation or repression of target mRNAs by base pairing with their 3'-untranslated regions. Recent studies have shown that miRNAs play an important role in the occurrence and development of cerebral ischaemia, as well as exerting regulatory effects. Additionally, circulating miRNAs in peripheral blood, which are dysregulated following cerebral ischaemia, have recently been identified as useful biomarkers in diagnosis and prognosis of cerebral ischaemia. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in miRNA genes or target sites are likely to cause complex functional consequences by affecting miRNA biogenesis or target selection. Research on miRNA-SNPs is rapidly growing, and recent studies have identified a significant relationship between miRNAs and ischemic disease. We also address the latest advances in miRNA-based therapeutic approaches for ischemic disease. In conclusion, our review summarizes current research regarding miRNAs and cerebral ischaemia, focusing on the regulatory role of miRNAs in cerebral ischaemia, as well as the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cerebral ischaemia.