MicroRNA-126 is a prospective target for vascular disease

MicroRNA-126 was involved in angiogenesis during physiological and pathological process. It was mainly expressed in endothelial cells, and defined as a pivotal biological molecule associated with vascular disease. Increased microRNA-126 in endothelial cells promotes angiogenesis in ischemic stroke, repairs impaired endothelial cells in atherosclerosis, and attenuates vascular dysfunction in diabetics. By contrast, microRNA-126 transferred from endothelial cell to smooth muscle cells could lead to proliferation that induced intimal hyperplasia. Additionally, microRNA-126 could be a tumor suppressor or an oncogene, which was depended on the cancer type. In this review, we summarized the function of microRNA-126 in ischemic stroke, atherosclerosis, diabetics, tumor, and discussed the underlying mechanisms