Understanding the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of brain arteriovenous malformations

Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal vessels that are prone to rupture, causing lifethreatening intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Understanding the molecular basis of pathogenesis, timely diagnosis, and treatment of brain AVMs are some of the urgent problems in neurosurgery. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous RNAs that regulate gene-expression posttranscriptionally. MiRNAs are involved in almost all biological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell differentiation. Recent studies have shown that miRNAs can be involved in brain AVMs formation and rupture. There are also extracellular forms of miRNAs. Circulating miRNAs have been detected in the blood circulation and other body fluids. Owing to their stability and resistance to endogenous RNase activity, circulating miRNAs have been proposed as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for various diseases, such as tumors, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarized the role of some miRNAs in brain AVMs pathogenesis and discussed their potential clinical application as non-invasive biomarkers.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of brain AVMs and discusses their potential clinical application as non-invasive biomarkers.