Role of redoximiRs in fibrogenesis

Fibrosis can be defined as an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, ultimately leading to stiffness, scarring and devitalized tissue. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, 19-25 nucleotides (nt), non-coding RNAs involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Recently, miRNAs have also emerged as powerful regulators of fibrotic processes and have been termed fibromiRs. Oxidative stress represents a self-perpetuating mechanism in fibrogenesis. MiRNAs can also influence the expression of genes responsible for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defence and are termed redoximiRs. Here, we review the current knowledge of mechanisms by which redoximiRs regulate fibrogenesis. This new set of miRNAs may be called redoxifibromiRs. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.