miR-208 is a family of microRNA precursors found in animals, including humans. The ~22 nucleotide mature miRNA sequence is excised from the precursor hairpin by the enzyme Dicer.[1] This sequence then associates with RISC which effects RNA interference.[2]
miR-208 has been deemed a "myomiR"[3] as it is specifically expressed, or found at much higher levels, in cardiac tissue. Other myomiRs include miR-1 and miR-133.[3] miR-208 is thought to be dysregulated in various cardiovascular diseases.[4][5]
miR-208 functions in cardiomyocytes regulating the production of the myosin heavy chain during development.[3] It also responds to stress and forms part of a hormonal signalling cascade in cardiac cells.[6]
^Cai B, Pan Z, Lu Y (2010). "The roles of microRNAs in heart diseases: a novel important regulator". Current Medicinal Chemistry. 17 (5): 407–11. doi:10.2174/092986710790226129. PMID20015039.(subscription required)
^Satoh M, Minami Y, Takahashi Y, Tabuchi T, Nakamura M (May 2010). "Expression of microRNA-208 is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in human dilated cardiomyopathy". Journal of Cardiac Failure. 16 (5): 404–10. doi:10.1016/j.cardfail.2010.01.002. PMID20447577.
^Ji X, Takahashi R, Hiura Y, Hirokawa G, Fukushima Y, Iwai N (November 2009). "Plasma miR-208 as a biomarker of myocardial injury". Clinical Chemistry. 55 (11): 1944–9. doi:10.1373/clinchem.2009.125310. PMID19696117.
