"Fishing" for endothelial microRNA functions and dysfunction.

MicroRNAs (e.g., miRNAs), endogenously expressed small non-coding RNAs, control gene expression by regulating target messenger RNA at post-transcriptional level. Recent studies have identified a specific role for microRNAs as key regulators of vascular function and dysfunction. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) system is a useful model system to study endothelial cell homeostasis during normal and pathological conditions. In this review, we describe how the zebrafish model is becoming a useful tool to study the role of microRNAs and their target genes in endothelial and smooth muscle cells both in normal and pathological conditions. Finally, we also discuss the many ways to manipulate miRNAs levels in zebrafish for therapeutic approaches.