Regulation of endothelial progenitor cell function by micrornas.

After cardiac injury, endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) are mobilized from the bone marrow and participate in cardiac repair by increasing revascularization of injured tissues. These cells have been studied actively in the past few years, but their exact phenotype and function are still controversial. In clinical trials, injection of progenitor cells has shown modest benefits. A better understanding of the biology of EPC will allow improving their therapeutic potential. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are tiny single-stranded non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression post transcriptionally. They are involved in multiple biological pathways regulating cardiac pathophysiology. Modern technologies using miRNA inhibitors and miRNA mimics have been developed and allow modifying the expression and hence the biological effects of miRNAs. The role of miRNAs in cardiac cells has been extensively investigated. Recent studies suggest that miRNAs play significant roles in EPC, and therefore might be used to improve the regenerative capacities of EPC. In this review, we will first provide a brief overview of the role of EPC in cardiovascular disease. Then, we will summarize current knowledge on the role of miRNAs in EPC and we will discuss how miRNAs may be used to enhance the capacity of EPC to repair the injured heart.