The role of 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) mediated mRNA stability in cardiovascular pathophysiology

Knowledge of transcription and translation has advanced our understanding of cardiac diseases. Here, we present the hypothesis that the stability of mRNA mediated by the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) plays a role in changing gene expression in cardiovascular pathophysiology. Several proteins that bind to sequences in the 3′-UTR of mRNA of cardiovascular targets have been identified. The affected mRNAs include those encoding β-adrenergic receptors, angiotensin II receptors, endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthases, cyclooxygenase, endothelial growth factor, tissue necrosis factor (TNF-α), globin, elastin, proteins involved in cell cycle regulation, oncogenes, cytokines and lymphokines. We discuss: (a) the types of 3′-UTR sequences involved in mRNA stability, (b) AUF1, HuR and other proteins that bind to these sequences to either stabilize or destabilize the target mRNAs, and (c) the potential role of the 3′-UTR mediated mRNA stability in heart failure, myocardial infarction and hypertension. We hope that these concepts will aid in better understanding cardiovascular diseases and in developing new therapies.