Extracellular vesicle YRNA in atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cardiovascular Research
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Atherosclerosis involves lipid accumulation and chronic inflammation, with apoptotic foam cells exacerbating plaque necrosis.
• Extracellular vesicle (EV)-enclosed YRNAs and their fragments (YsRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in atherosclerosis.
• YsRNAs are implicated in foam cell apoptosis and inflammatory responses, influencing disease initiation and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding the roles of YRNAs and YsRNAs in atherosclerosis.
• To explore the diagnostic potential of YRNAs and YsRNAs in atherosclerosis and related inflammatory diseases.
• To identify novel therapeutic and diagnostic targets for atherosclerosis based on YRNA and YsRNA functions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on YRNAs, YsRNAs, and atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of YRNA interactions with proteins like Ro60, nucleolin, and La.
• Investigation of YsRNA origins from miRNAs and piRNAs.
• Examination of YsRNAs in extracellular vesicles from blood plasma, platelets, and gut microbes.

Main Results:

• YsRNA-5p promotes foam cell apoptosis and inflammation by binding to Ro60.
• YRNAs interact with multiple proteins involved in cellular processes.
• EV-enclosed YRNAs are detectable in blood plasma and may serve as biomarkers for atherosclerosis and inflammatory diseases.
• YsRNAs released by apoptotic macrophages are potential biomarkers for monitoring atherosclerosis.
• Gut microbiota YRNAs may influence the gut-heart axis and atherosclerosis progression.

Conclusions:

• YRNAs and YsRNAs are critical players in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
• Circulating YsRNAs in EVs represent promising biomarkers for atherosclerosis diagnosis and monitoring.
• Targeting YRNAs and YsRNAs offers potential for novel therapeutic strategies against atherosclerosis.