MicroRNAs in atherosclerosis and lipoprotein metabolism

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are mediators of post-transcriptional gene expression that likely regulate most biological pathways and networks. The study of miRNAs is a rapidly emerging field; recent findings have revealed a significant role for miRNAs in atherosclerosis and lipoprotein metabolism, which will be described in this review.

The discovery of miRNA gene regulatory mechanisms contributing to endothelial integrity, macrophage inflammatory response to atherogenic lipids, vascular smooth muscle-cell proliferation, and cholesterol synthesis are described. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that miRNAs may play a role in mediating the beneficial pleiotropic effects observed with statin-based lipid-lowering therapies. New modifications to miRNA mimetics and inhibitors, increasing targeting efficacy and cellular uptake, will likely enable future therapies to exploit miRNA gene regulatory networks.

At this time, the applicability and full potential of miRNAs in clinical practice is unknown. Nonetheless, recent advances in miRNA delivery and inhibition hold great promise of a tremendous clinical impact in atherosclerosis and cholesterol regulation.