Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
09:53
In Vivo Nanovector Delivery of a Heart-specific MicroRNA-sponge
Published on: June 15, 2018
MicroRNAs in cardiometabolic disease
1Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA. hnajafi-shoushtari@partners.org
Current Atherosclerosis Reports
|April 5, 2011
Summary
Small non-coding RNAs, or microRNAs, regulate cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism. Aberrant microRNA expression contributes to atherosclerosis, offering potential therapeutic targets for cardiometabolic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Homeostatic regulation of cholesterol and fatty acids is crucial for preventing cardiometabolic risk factors like type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
- Small non-coding RNAs (microRNAs) play a key role in the post-transcriptional control of lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis.
- Dysregulated microRNA expression is linked to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, affecting endothelial integrity, cell proliferation, and foam cell formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of microRNA-mediated regulation on cholesterol/lipoprotein metabolism and fatty acid oxidation.
- To explore the role of microRNAs in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.
- To highlight the clinical potential of microRNAs as therapeutic targets for cardiometabolic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on microRNA regulation of lipid metabolism.
- Analysis of microRNA involvement in pathophysiologic events of atherosclerosis.
- Survey of microRNA-based technologies and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs, such as miR-122 and miR-33, are critical regulators of cholesterol and fatty acid beta-oxidation.
- Aberrant microRNA expression contributes to atherosclerosis through mechanisms like endothelial dysfunction and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.
- MicroRNA-mediated regulation impacts key biological processes governing lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are pivotal regulators of cholesterol and fatty acid homeostasis.
- MicroRNA dysregulation is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
- MicroRNA-based therapies represent a promising new strategy for treating cardiometabolic diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
01:22MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
01:22MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...