Non-coding RNAs - Update on mechanisms and therapeutic targets from the ESC Working Groups of Myocardial Function and Cellular Biology of the Heart

Vast parts of mammalian genomes are actively transcribed, predominantely giving rise to non-coding RNA transcripts including microRNAs, long non-coding RNA and circular RNAs amongst others. Contrary to previous opinions that most of these RNA are non-functional molecules, they are now recognised as critical regulators of many physiological and pathological processes including those of the cardiovascular system. The discovery of functional non-coding RNAs has opened up new research avenues aiming at understanding non-coding RNA-related disease mechanisms as well as exploiting them as novel therapeutics in cardiovascular therapy. In this review we give an update on the current progress in non-coding RNA research, particularly focussing on cardiovascular physiological and disease processes, which are subject of current investigation at the ESC Working Groups of Myocardial Function and Cellular Biology of the Heart. This includes a range of topics such as extracellular vesicle-mediated communication, neurohormonal regulation, inflammation, cardiac remodelling, cardio-oncology as well as cardiac development and regeneration, collectively highlighting the wide-spread involvement and importance of non-coding RNAs in the cardiovascular system.