[Research advance of ANRIL on atherosclerosis by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis]

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a primary cause of coronary artery disease.
• The Chr9p21 locus, containing the ANRIL gene, is strongly linked to atherosclerosis risk.
• ANRIL produces diverse transcripts, including linear and circular forms, influencing vascular cell behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution and transcript characteristics of ANRIL.
• To elucidate the roles of ANRIL transcripts in vascular cell proliferation and apoptosis.
• To explore ANRIL's contribution to atherosclerosis pathogenesis for potential therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ANRIL research.
• Analysis of ANRIL's molecular mechanisms.
• Examination of ANRIL's impact on vascular cells (VSMCs and macrophages).

Main Results:

• ANRIL transcripts, both linear and circular, modulate vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and macrophage proliferation and apoptosis.
• Linear ANRIL influences VSMC proliferation via chromatin modification and macrophage apoptosis post-transcriptionally.
• Circular ANRIL impacts VSMC proliferation and rRNA maturation.

Conclusions:

• ANRIL plays a critical role in atherosclerosis by regulating vascular cell dynamics.
• Distinct ANRIL transcripts exert varied effects on cellular processes relevant to atherosclerosis.
• Further understanding of ANRIL is crucial for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis.