Jheremy S. Reyes-Barreto, Grupo de Investigación en Cáncer y Medicina Molecular (CAMMO), Bogotá, Colombia
Laura T. Picón, Grupo de Investigación en Cáncer y Medicina Molecular (CAMMO), Bogotá, Colombia
Laura L. Páez, Grupo de Investigación en Cáncer y Medicina Molecular (CAMMO), Bogotá, Colombia
Gustavo A. Lemus-Barrios, Centro Cardiovascular, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
The role of PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) and PIWI-like proteins in cardiovascular biology is an area of growing interest. Initially identified for their role in maintaining genome stability in germline cells, piRNA have now been detected in somatic tissues, including the cardiovascular system. This systematic review summarizes current knowledge on how piRNA and their associated PIWI-like proteins influence cardiovascular function and disease. This article is focused on their involvement in key processes such as gene regulation, epigenetic modifications, and cellular stress responses, which are crucial in diseases such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and heart failure, among others. Evidence from experimental and clinical studies suggests that piRNA could serve as new biomarkers or therapeutic targets in cardiovascular medicine. However, the field is still in its early stages, and much remains unknown about the specific mechanisms through which piRNA and PIWI-like proteins contribute to cardiovascular pathology. Future research should prioritize understanding these mechanisms and exploring the translational potential of targeting piRNA in cardiovascular diseases. This review highlights the promise of piRNA for improving our understanding and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Keywords: piRNA. PIWI-like proteins. Cardiovascular diseases. Gene regulation. Epigenetics.
