Systematic review highlights the impact of piRNAs and PIWI-like proteins on cardiovascular conditions, suggesting new biomarkers and targets.
The role of PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and PIWI-like proteins in cardiovascular biology is an area of growing interest.Initially identified for their role in maintaining genome stability in germline cells, piRNAs have now been detected in somatic tissues, including the cardiovascular system.This systematic review synthesizes current knowledge on how piRNAs and their associated PIWI-like proteins influence cardiovascular function and disease.We focus on their involvement in key processes such as gene regulation, epigenetic modifications, and cellular stress responses, which are crucial in conditions like atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and heart failure, among others.Evidence from experimental and clinical studies suggests that piRNAs could serve as novel biomarkers or therapeutic targets in cardiovascular medicine.However, the field is still in its early stages and much remains unknown about the specific mechanisms through which piRNAs and PIWI-like proteins contribute to cardiovascular pathology.Future research should prioritize understanding these mechanisms and exploring the translational potential of targeting piRNAs in cardiovascular disease.This review underscores the promise of piRNAs in advancing our understanding and treatment of cardiovascular conditions.
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Reyes-Barreto et al. (2026) studied this question.
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