Long non-coding RNAs in the atherosclerotic plaque

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Molecular Genetics
• RNA Biology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis development is influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as key regulators in cardiovascular pathophysiology.
• Understanding lncRNA involvement in atherosclerosis is crucial for cardiovascular disease research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential associations between specific long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and atherosclerosis.
• To determine the expression patterns of known coronary artery disease-associated lncRNAs in atherosclerotic plaques.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression levels of five selected lncRNAs.
• Tissue samples were obtained from atherosclerotic coronary arteries and non-atherosclerotic internal mammary arteries of 20 patients.
• Comparative analysis of lncRNA expression between diseased and healthy arterial tissues was performed.

Main Results:

• Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 (ANRIL) and myocardial infarction-associated transcript (MIAT) showed increased expression in atherosclerotic arteries.
• Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) exhibited decreased expression in atherosclerotic plaques.
• Expression of KCNQ1OT1 and aHIF was comparable, while MALAT1, MIAT, KCNQ1OT1, and aHIF showed inverse correlation with age in atherosclerotic plaques.

Conclusions:

• Significant associations between specific lncRNAs and atherosclerosis were identified.
• The findings support a functional role for lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease.
• lncRNAs represent potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis.