miR‑205: A dual regulator of angiogenesis in health and disease (Review)

The present study evaluated the role of microRNA (miR)‑205 as a dual regulator of angiogenesis, exhibiting both pro‑angiogenic and anti‑angiogenic effects depending on the biological context. miRs are small non‑coding sequences that regulate gene expression at the post‑transcriptional level and can be transported in extracellular vesicles (EVs), allowing them to modulate biological processes remotely. miR‑205 is involved in multiple cellular processes, such as proliferation, migration, apoptosis and angiogenesis. In angiogenesis its function is contradictory: On one hand, it can inhibit blood vessel formation by suppressing pro‑angiogenic factors such as VEGF and ANG‑2, as demonstrated in diseases such as psoriasis, thyroid cancer and diabetic retinopathy. However, in other contexts, miR‑205 promotes angiogenesis by inhibiting anti‑angiogenic genes such as PTEN and HITT, facilitating the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and cell proliferation in ovarian cancer and thrombosis. Additionally, the present study highlighted the role of EVs in transferring miR‑205 between cells, thereby influencing angiogenesis and disease progression. Studies in myocardial infarction and cancer models have demonstrated that EVs enriched in miR‑205 can affect blood vessel formation and tumor progression. Similarly, in ocular diseases such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, miR‑205 encapsulated in EVs has shown therapeutic potential by regulating VEGF levels. In conclusion, miR‑205 emerges as a promising therapeutic target for angiogenic diseases. Its application in EV‑based therapy could represent an innovative strategy for treating vascular disorders. However, further studies are needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and optimize its clinical application.