Long non-coding RNAs in cardiac fibrosis: Regulation of cardiac fibroblasts

Background Cardiac fibrosis, characterized by excessive extracellular matrix(ECM) deposition and increased cardiac fibroblasts(CFs) activity, is a common pathology of various cardiovascular diseases. Cardiac fibrosis decreases ventricular compliance, increases diastolic filling pressure,decreases cardiac oxygen supply, and ultimately impairs the cardiac output. CFs are the main effecter cell type in regulating ECM and predominantly drive the fibrosis process. Despite the critical importance of CFs, our limited understanding of CFs impedes the development of potential therapies that effectively target this cell type and its pathological contribution to disease progression. Recently, long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs) are emerging as important pathological and physiological regulators of cardiac fibrosis, shedding light on novel molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. This review discussed the current knowledge regarding the lnc RNAs involved in cardiac fibrosis and summarized their possible molecular mechanisms with special focus on the regulation of CFs.[S Chin J Cardiol 2020;21(4):292-303]