Open Access

Zhiyuan Wu, Matthias Michael Trenner, Reinier Boon, Joshua M. Spin, Lars Mägdefessel

• Highlights • This current review covers studies that have identified long non-coding RNAs in aortic aneurysm development and progression. • We separately discuss transcripts and mechanisms of importance to thoracic as well as abdominal aortic aneurysms. • Functional data on lncRNAs being identified are highlighted. • Some have been studied in human as well as experimental models of the disease pathology. Abstract Aortic aneurysm (AA) is a complex and dangerous vascular disease, featuring progressive and irreversible vessel dilatation. AA is typically detected either by screening, or identified incidentally through imaging studies. To date, no effective pharmacological therapies have been identified for clinical AA management, and either endovascular repair or open surgery remains the only option capable of preventing aneurysm rupture. In recent years, multiple research groups have endeavored to both identify noncoding RNAs and to clarify their function in vascular diseases, including aneurysmal pathologies. Notably, the molecular roles of noncoding RNAs in AA development appear to vary significantly between thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Some microRNAs (miRNA - a non-coding RNA subspecies) appear to contribute to AA pathophysiology, with some showing major potential for use as biomarkers or as therapeutic targets. Studies of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are more limited, and their specific contributions to disease development and progression largely remain unexplored. This review aims to summarize and discuss the most current data on lncRNAs and their mediation of AA pathophysiology.