Abstract
Recent experimental work has highlighted the enormous importance of what is referred to as microRNAs in the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. MicroRNAs are single-stranded RNA molecules of about 22 nucleotides in length belonging to the family of non-coding RNA.
MicroRNAs induce a decrease in "messenger" RNA thereby inhibiting protein synthesis at translation level. The only specifi c type of microRNAs regulates the expression of a whole chain of genes encoding functionally or structurally related proteins.
Experimental work has identifi ed microRNAs as key regulators of genes affecting the growth and hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes, their contractile function, and electrical conductivity. This review article summarizes current concepts regarding the relevance of microRNAs in heart development and pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease.