Abstract
Cardiac stem cells (CSCs) have been implicated as the most suitable source of stem cells in regenerating the diseased heart. However, diabetes is known to cause a progressive loss in the functional efficacy of CSCs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate genes at the post-transcriptional level. This study investigated whether dysregulation of miRNAs could be the underlying cause for the functional deterioration of diabetic CSCs and whether genetic manipulation of miRNAs can improve their function. Diabetes caused significant dysregulation of miR-329, -495, -376c and -30c in both mouse and human diabetic CSCs. Moreover, elevated expression of miR-30c was suggested to improve the survival of the diabetic CSCs.