MicroRNAs in stem cell function and regenerative therapy of the heart.

MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that posttranscriptionally control gene expression by targeting mRNAs. Distinct microRNAs regulate stem and progenitor cell functions, thereby modulating cell survival and homing or controlling differentiation and maturation. Experimental studies additionally show that microRNAs regulate endogenous repair and might potentially be useful to enhance the regeneration of the heart. This review summarizes the current studies that address the use of microRNAs to either improve cellular therapies or that might be targeted for enhancing endogenous tissue repair and regeneration after myocardial infarction.