MicroRNA Regulation in Hypertension Pathophysiology

MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNA molecules that fine-tune gene expression by binding to messenger RNA and inhibiting translation or promoting degradation. In hypertension, a growing body of evidence implicates specific microRNAs in the control of vascular tone, inflammatory signalling and neurohormonal systems. Dysregulated microRNAs can alter the balance of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, modulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity and influence smooth muscle cell proliferation. Both tissue-resident and circulating microRNAs have been linked to blood pressure elevation, vascular remodelling and end-organ damage. Advances in high-throughput sequencing and sensitive quantification methods have revealed distinct microRNA signatures in patients with essential hypertension, pointing to their value as mechanistic probes, diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. Efforts to manipulate microRNA levels in preclinical models—using mimics, antagomirs or target-site blockers—underscore the translational promise of microRNA-based intervention for hypertension management.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have delineated how racial and ethnic background influences microRNA profiles in hypertensive individuals. Analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed that women of different ancestries exhibit distinct microRNA-mRNA networks linked to vascular function and immune response. Novel pairs such as miR-20a-5p with MCL1 and miR-4763-5p with APOL3 were identified, suggesting that microRNA-guided gene regulation contributes to population-specific susceptibility to hypertension. Functional validation in endothelial cells confirmed key interactions and highlighted microRNA-mediated control of apoptotic and inflammatory pathways in the vascular wall.

MicroRNA Regulation in Hypertension Pathophysiology publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna regulation in hypertension pathophysiology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

MicroRNA (miRNA): Short non-coding RNA (~22 nucleotides) that regulates gene expression by pairing with complementary sequences in target mRNAs, leading to translational repression or mRNA degradation.

Post-transcriptional regulation: Control of gene expression after the formation of pre-mRNA, including RNA splicing, editing, transport, stability and translation.

Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS): Hormonal cascade that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance; renin initiates the production of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, and aldosterone, which promotes sodium retention.

Extracellular vesicles: Small, membrane-bound particles released by cells that carry proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, including microRNAs, and facilitate intercellular communication.

Antagomir: Chemically modified antisense oligonucleotide designed to specifically bind and inhibit a microRNA, thereby preventing it from interacting with its mRNA targets.

References

1. Circulatory miRNAs in essential hypertension. Atherosclerosis (2024).
2. MicroRNAs: The Missing Link between Hypertension and Periodontitis?. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
3. Racial differences in microRNA and gene expression in hypertensive women. Scientific Reports (2016).
4. Signatures of miR-181a on the Renal Transcriptome and Blood Pressure. Molecular Medicine (2015).