New epigenetic players in stroke pathogenesis: From non-coding RNAs to exosomal non-coding RNAs

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have critical role in the pathophysiology as well as recovery after ischemic stroke. ncRNAs, particularly microRNAs, and the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical for angiogenesis and neuroprotection, and they have been suggested to be therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic tools in cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke. Moreover, exosomes have been considered as nanocarriers capable of transferring various cargos, such as lncRNAs and miRNAs to recipient cells, with prominent inter-cellular roles in the mediation of neuro-restorative events following strokes and neural injuries. In this review, we summarize the pathogenic role of ncRNAs and exosomal ncRNAs in the stroke.

Automated summary

Non-coding RNAs, especially microRNAs and lncRNAs, play critical roles in angiogenesis and neuroprotection following ischemic stroke. Exosomes, serving as nanocarriers, are capable of transferring various ncRNAs and have significant inter-cellular roles in the mediation of neuro-restorative events after stroke. This review summarizes the pathogenic role of ncRNAs and exosomal ncRNAs in stroke.