MicroRNAs in the heart : micromanagers and sentinels of cardiac disease

MicroRNAs are small molecules that have a great influence on a wide scale of cell functions and diseases. This dissertation describes the role of microRNAs in heart diseases and the involvement of individual microRNAs in inflammation of the heart. Manipulation of such microRNAs leads to protection of or, on the contrary, a higher sensitivity of the heart to high blood pressure or viruses. Also the ‘leaking’ of microRNAs from heart muscle cells during acute heart diseases can be measured in the blood which contributes to a quick diagnosis. Combined, these studies imply that microRNAs can be used for future treatments and diagnostic tests for cardiovascular diseases.