ROLE OF microRNA IN DEVELOPMENT OF INSTABILITY OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE
MicroRNAs are small non-coding single-strand RNAs that regulate gene expression. There are an increasing number of studies highlighting the important role of microRNAs in development and progression of cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerotic lesions of arteries. Here we review the available data on the association of microRNA expression with instability of atherosclerotic plaques in model animals and in humans. We emphasis data on miR-21, -100, -127, -133, -143/145, -221/222, and -494 because they were analyzed in more than one study. We discuss the possibility of using microRNAs in diagnosis and therapy of atherosclerosis and its complications.