A change in intracellular free calcium (Ca2+) is a common signaling mechanism of reperfusion-induced cardiomyocyte death. Calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a critical regulator of Ca2+ signaling and mediates signaling pathways responsible for functions in the heart including hypertrophy, apoptosis, arrhythmia, and heart disease. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are involved in the regulation of cell response, including survival, proliferation, apoptosis, and development. However, the roles of miRNAs in Ca2+-mediated apoptosis of cardiomyocytes are uncertain. Here, we determined the potential role of miRNA in the regulation of CaMKII dependent apoptosis and explored its underlying mechanism. To determine the potential roles of miRNAs in H2O2-mediated Ca2+ overload, we selected and tested 6 putative miRNAs that targeted CaMKII delta, and showed that miR-145 represses CaMKII delta protein expression and Ca2+ overload. We confirmed CaMKII delta as a direct downstream target of miR-145. Furthermore, miR-145 regulates Ca2+-trelated signals and ameliorates apoptosis. This study demonstrates that miR-145 regulates reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced Ca2+ overload in cardiomyocytes. Thus, miR-145 affects ROS-mediated gene regulation and cellular injury responses. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.