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In Vivo Nanovector Delivery of a Heart-specific MicroRNA-sponge
Published on: June 15, 2018
MicroRNAs involved in the lipid metabolism and their possible implications for atherosclerosis development and
Jan Novák1, Julie Bienertová-Vašků2, Tomáš Kára3
1International Clinical Research Center, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic ; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Building A20, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic ; Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Building A18, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
Hyperlipidemia is a well-accepted risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a novel class of posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression, are involved in a variety of biological and pathological processes, including the regulation of the lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. As our knowledge of miRNAs expands, a new class of "circulating miRNAs" has recently been described. It includes miRNAs which may be found in various bodily fluids packaged in microvesicles/exosomes, or bound to specific transporting proteins. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles have been identified as one such carrier. As this class of miRNAs likely plays a role in intercellular communication, it may also contribute to the atherosclerosis development and progression. This review aims to provide a comprehensive explanation of the roles of distinct miRNAs involved in the regulation of the lipid metabolism. These microRNAs seem to be promising therapeutic agents, as documented in rodents and African green monkeys. The second part of the review focuses on circulating miRNAs and their involvement in the atherosclerosis, especially as their levels have been described as altered in patients with dyslipidemia/hyperlipidemia. Special emphasis is placed on miRNAs transported in a complex with HDL particles and on those which may be considered potential atherosclerosis biomarkers.
Insights
MicroRNAs regulate lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. Circulating microRNAs, especially those bound to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles, show altered levels in hyperlipidemia and may serve as atherosclerosis biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Hyperlipidemia is a key risk factor for atherosclerosis.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis.
- Circulating miRNAs, found in bodily fluids and transported by carriers like HDL, are implicated in intercellular communication and disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the roles of specific miRNAs in regulating lipid metabolism.
- To explore the involvement of circulating miRNAs in atherosclerosis, particularly those associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles.
- To highlight potential therapeutic applications and biomarker utility of miRNAs in hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on microRNAs, lipid metabolism, and atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of research on circulating microRNAs, including their packaging and transport mechanisms.
- Examination of evidence for miRNA dysregulation in hyperlipidemia and its association with atherosclerosis.
Main Results:
- Specific miRNAs are identified as key regulators of lipid metabolism.
- Circulating miRNAs, particularly HDL-associated miRNAs, are altered in patients with dyslipidemia/hyperlipidemia.
- These circulating miRNAs show potential as therapeutic agents and diagnostic biomarkers for atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs play significant roles in both lipid metabolism and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
- Circulating miRNAs, especially HDL-bound ones, represent promising biomarkers for hyperlipidemia-associated atherosclerosis.
- miRNAs hold potential for novel therapeutic strategies against atherosclerosis.
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