The salient role of microRNAs in atherogenesis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Molecular Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by lipid-laden macrophages, often at arterial sites with disturbed blood flow.
• Its development involves complex interactions between cells, inflammatory mediators, and hemodynamic forces.
• Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are increasingly recognized for their roles in atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of miRNA-dependent regulation in atherosclerosis.
• To highlight the emerging roles of lncRNAs in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions.
• To discuss potential clinical interventions targeting these non-coding RNAs for novel diagnostics and therapeutics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent research on non-coding RNAs in atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of miRNA and lncRNA expression patterns in response to biomechanical and biochemical stimuli.
• Synthesis of evidence linking non-coding RNAs to key cellular and molecular pathways in atherogenesis.

Main Results:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) critically regulate endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, macrophages, and lipid metabolism in atherosclerosis.
• miRNA expression can be modulated by both flow-dependent and independent stimuli.
• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in various stages of atherosclerotic processes.

Conclusions:

• Non-coding RNAs, particularly miRNAs and lncRNAs, are pivotal regulators of atherosclerosis.
• Targeting these molecules presents promising avenues for developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis.
• Further research into miRNA and lncRNA mechanisms can advance the clinical management of cardiovascular diseases.