Exploring the Spectrum of Long Non-Coding RNA CARMN in Physiological and Pathological Contexts

Abstract

Cardiac mesoderm enhancer-associated non-coding RNA (CARMN), an evolutionarily conserved long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), serves as the host gene for the miR143/145 cluster. It plays a crucial role in cardiovascular cell differentiation and the maintenance of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) homeostasis, which are vital for normal physiological processes. Specifically, CARMN is associated with the pathological progression of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and chronic heart failure. Moreover, it acts as a tumor suppressor in various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, bladder cancer, and breast cancer, highlighting its potential as a beneficial biomarker and therapeutic target. This review provides a detailed examination of the roles of CARMN, its evolutionary conservation, expression patterns, and regulatory mechanisms. It also outlines its significant implications in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of these diseases, underscoring the need for further translational research to exploit its clinical potential.