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Here, we analyse the role of microRNA (miRNA, small single-stranded RNA molecules) in the differentiation of human stem cells in endothelial cells. Such fundamental knowledge is essential for a further development of stem cell therapies in order to treat a variety of age-independent cardiovascular diseases.
Among other things, the miRNA molecules regulate gene expression during heart and skeletal muscle developing. These regulatory molecules have an extensive function in controlling different aspects of cardiac function and dysfunction. These include the growth of myocytes, the integrity of heart chamber walls, contractility, gene expression, and maintenance of heart rhythm. Studies of specific miRNAs in diseased hearts revealed deficient gene expression. Experiments with mice regarding improvement and degradation of heart function demonstrate that many types of heart diseases are dependent of miRNA function.
However, the role of miRNA function especially in heart diseases is completely unknown until now. Therefore, a number of research approaches are planned to address the issues such as:
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Identification of mechanisms by which miRNA control mesodermal tissue and the differentiation or proliferation of endothelial cells and their potential intercation via specific signal pathways.
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Evaluation of miRNA-modified CD133+ cells using the model of acute myocard infarcts and/or ischemia of the lower extremeties.
These research approaches aim to optimise the technology of microRNA Microarrays in order to analyse the global gene expression of miRNAs in different stem cell populations.
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