PIWI-interacting RNAs and PIWI proteins in diabetes and cardiovascular disease: Molecular pathogenesis and role as biomarkers

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still one of the most significant diseases and is a considerable threat to human health globally. PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are novel small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) traditionally considered to be specifically expressed in the germline of many animal species and involved in the maintenance of germline stem cells and spermatogenesis. Although little is known about the origin and action of piRNAs and PIWI proteins in somatic cells, these molecules are emerging as readily available biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac injury and multiform CVD. Accumulating evidence reveals that piRNAs and PIWI proteins are associated with some molecular and cellular pathways in CVD. Here, we summarize recent evidence and evaluate the molecular mechanism of the involvement of piRNAs and PIWI proteins in CVD.

Automated summary

piRNAs and PIWI proteins, traditionally considered to be expressed in germline cells, are now emerging as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of cardiac injury and various forms of CVD. They are associated with molecular and cellular pathways in cardiovascular disease.