**Renin-Angiotensin System MicroRNAs, Special Focus on the Brain**

Jose Gerardo-Aviles, Shelley Allen and

Patrick Gavin Kehoe

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/67080

### **Abstract**

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression with important roles in cancer, cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Present in the brain, they play numerous regulatory roles shaping the proteome in an orchestrated manner with other non-coding RNAs. An independent brain-specific renin-angiotensin system (RAS) exists that is subject to miRNA remodelling. The brain RAS regulates cerebral blood flow and electrolytic balance and is involved in neurotransmitter signalling and cognitive processes. Circulating microRNAs allow interaction between systemic and local RAS in the heart and the brain. Their screening and manipulation may be valuable towards understanding pathophysiology and development of treatments for various systemic and central nervous system diseases.

**Keywords:** non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, brain renin-angiotensin system, cerebrovascular disease, circulating microRNAs, biomarkers
