Identification of cardiovascular microRNA targetomes

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are strong post-transcriptional regulators targeting multiple targets. Endogenously transcribed, miRNAs specifically bind to complementary sequences of mRNAs and repress their expression thus govern control of cellular signaling pathways. An altered miRNA expression is causally related to cardiovascular disease. Identification of miRNA-dependent pathways is therefore an important aim to develop new therapeutic approaches. To understand miRNA function in various cardiovascular cells, the identification of individual miRNA target genes is of utmost importance. Indeed, the biological function of a miRNA is dependent on the availability of potential targets in a cell. We here summarize and discuss current challenging approaches to identify miRNA targetomes which will help to understand miRNA function in cardiac homeostasis and disease.

► MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are strong post-transcriptional regulators targeting multiple targets.
► To understand cellular miRNA function, the identification of individual miRNA target genes is of importance.
► We here summarize and discuss current challenging approaches to identify miRNA targetomes.
► This information will help to understand individual miRNA function in cardiac homeostasis and disease.