Long Noncoding RNAs in Atherosclerosis: JACC Review Topic of the Week

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Molecular Medicine
• Genomics

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the vessel wall, driven by lipid deposition and cellular responses.
• Despite advances, atherosclerosis remains a major global health burden, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
• Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators in various biological processes, including disease pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the significant roles of lncRNAs in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.
• To highlight the involvement of lncRNAs in key risk factors associated with atherosclerosis.
• To explore the potential of lncRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for atherothrombotic diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on lncRNAs and atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of studies investigating lncRNA functions in cellular and animal models.
• Synthesis of evidence linking lncRNAs to atherosclerosis and its risk factors.

Main Results:

• lncRNAs are implicated as key mediators in the complex regulatory networks of atherosclerosis.
• Specific lncRNAs influence cellular processes such as lipid metabolism, inflammation, and smooth muscle cell proliferation.
• lncRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis-associated conditions like hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

Conclusions:

• lncRNAs represent a promising frontier for understanding and treating atherosclerosis.
• Targeting lncRNAs may offer novel avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in cardiovascular disease.
• Further research into lncRNA mechanisms is crucial for clinical translation in atherothrombotic disease management.