Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 23, 2025

Tissue-specific miRNA Expression Profiling in Mouse Heart Sections Using In Situ Hybridization
08:22

Tissue-specific miRNA Expression Profiling in Mouse Heart Sections Using In Situ Hybridization

Published on: September 15, 2018

8.4K

Implications for MicroRNA involvement in the prognosis and treatment of atherosclerosis

Samira Tabaei1, Seyyedeh Samaneh Tabaee2,3

  • 1Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
|January 3, 2021
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate key cellular processes and are implicated in atherosclerosis. This review explores their role in endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages, highlighting their diagnostic and therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cardiovascular Research

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of cellular processes including differentiation, metabolism, and apoptosis.
  • Atherosclerosis development involves complex gene and signaling pathway dysregulation, with miRNAs playing a significant role.
  • miRNAs offer novel molecular insights into atherosclerosis pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the regulatory roles of miRNAs in key cell types involved in atherosclerosis: endothelial cells (ECs), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and monocyte/macrophages.
  • To discuss the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for atherosclerosis.
  • To explore therapeutic opportunities and challenges associated with miRNA-based interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on miRNAs and atherosclerosis.
  • Analysis of miRNA involvement in cellular processes relevant to atherosclerosis.
  • Discussion of clinical translation challenges and future perspectives.

Main Results:

  • miRNAs are key regulators of EC, VSMC, and monocyte/macrophage functions, including migration, differentiation, proliferation, and lipid handling.
  • miRNAs demonstrate significant potential as biomarkers for atherosclerosis diagnosis and prognosis.
  • Promising preclinical results exist, but clinical translation faces practical and technical hurdles.

Conclusions:

  • miRNAs are pivotal in regulating cellular dynamics within the atherosclerotic process.
  • miRNAs hold considerable promise as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.
  • Further research is needed to overcome challenges for successful clinical application of miRNA-based strategies.
Keywords:
AtherosclerosisEndothelial cellMacrophageMicroRNAVascular smooth muscle cell

More Related Videos

miRNA Expression Analyses in Prostate Cancer Clinical Tissues11:29

miRNA Expression Analyses in Prostate Cancer Clinical Tissues

Published on: September 8, 2015

11.1K
MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as A Novel Detection and Quantification Method09:06

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as A Novel Detection and Quantification Method

Published on: October 7, 2025

175

Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
3.4K
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After...
23.3K
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
144
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
674
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
412