Towards a paradigm shift in ischaemic heart disease

LIH’s visionary outlook published in Nature Reviews Cardiology

• Cardiovascular Research Unit
• Department of Precision Health

Dr Yvan Devaux, Head of the Cardiovascular Research team at LIH, contributed to a review article in Nature Reviews Cardiology revealing the potential of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as both treatments and diagnostic tools for ischaemic heart disease, offering hope for patients. The publication emphasizes targeting specific ncRNAs to reverse cardiac damage, with future research aiming for precision medicine in cardiology through ncRNA-based approaches.

Ischaemic heart disease, responsible for millions of deaths annually, is a challenge for the medical community. In a recently published review article, Dr Yvan Devaux and colleagues shed light on the remarkable potential of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as both therapeutic targets and biomarkers for ischaemic heart disease, a condition leading to heart failure. The article suggests that ncRNAs, previously overlooked molecules not involved in protein production but crucial in regulating biological processes, could hold the key to transformative treatments and earlier detection of heart issues.

“Collectively, recent findings on ncRNAs represent a significant milestone in cardiovascular research,” says Dr Devaux. “By targeting specific ncRNAs, we could reverse damaging cardiac changes, promote beneficial blood vessel growth, and even replace lost cardiac muscle cells, offering new hope for patients battling heart disease.“

Dr Devaux’s paper delves into the history that paved the way for ncRNAs in cardiovascular research, and then explores the latest accomplishments that are expanding our understanding of ncRNAs, their regulatory mechanisms, and potential therapeutic applications. Emphasizing the importance of extracellular ncRNAs, post-transcriptional modifications, and targeted delivery of ncRNA therapeutics, the review presents a promising vision for future theranostic approaches.

With a precision medicine perspective, we envision a future where minimally invasive ncRNA biomarkers predict adverse remodelling of the ischaemic heart, while tailored ncRNA therapeutic treatments prevent heart failure. Although challenges remain, the vast portfolio of ncRNAs yet to be explored, coupled with cutting-edge technologies, heralds a bright future for ncRNAs in cardiology.