MicroRNA: Relevance to stroke diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy

Stroke is a life-threatening disease that accounts for a considerable burden of mortality in both developing and developed world. Identification of specific biomarkers for stroke and its outcomes can greatly contribute to improved care of patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known as novel biomarkers that could be used as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers. Various studies have shown that miRNAs have key roles in the pathogenesis of stroke, and its complications and outcomes. In addition, there is evidence showing that mesenchaymal stromal cell-derived exosomes containing miRNAs can be used for monitoring and treatment of various diseases such as stroke. Here, we summarized various aspects of miRNA applications in different stages of stroke. Stroke is known to be a significant health burden for millions of people worldwide. Proper monitoring and treatment are the cornerstones for the improvement of stroke outcomes. Several lines of evidence have shown that miRNAs can affect various pathogic events involved in stroke. The miRNAs regulate more than one hundred gene targets, on the other hand, one gene can also be regulated by a number of miRNAs. These molecules can serve as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers in various stage of stroke.