MicroRNAs regulate vascular smooth muscle cell functions in atherosclerosis (Review)

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are involved in all stages of the progression of human atherosclerosis (AS). MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are non‑coding, small RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post‑transcriptional level through translational repression or messenger RNA (mRNA) decay. Recently, a variety of functions of VSMCs that are involved in AS, including differentiation, migration, proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and apoptosis, have been found to be regulated by miRNAs. This review provides an overview of the role of miRNAs in the regulation of the functions of VSMCs, as well as their targets and potential implications in AS. The data presented herein suggest that the specific modulation of miRNAs may present an attractive approach for the diagnosis and treatment of AS.