Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 5, 2025

A Familial Hypercholesterolemia Human Liver Chimeric Mouse Model Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Hepatocytes
Published on: September 15, 2018
Regulatory Non-Coding RNAs in Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Theranostic Applications
Hani Keshavarz Alikhani1, Mahsa Pourhamzeh1, Homeyra Seydi1
1Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic condition causing high LDL cholesterol. Non-coding RNAs offer new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for FH and its cardiovascular complications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a monogenic disorder characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.
- FH significantly increases the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD), necessitating early diagnosis and intervention.
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in regulating cellular processes and as potential biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of FH and current therapeutic strategies.
- To explore the emerging role of ncRNAs in FH diagnosis and treatment.
- To compare the advantages and disadvantages of ncRNA-based therapies with conventional treatments for FH.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of FH mechanisms, pathophysiology, and therapeutic approaches.
- Analysis of studies investigating ncRNAs in LDL-C metabolism and FH.
- Comparative discussion of ncRNA-based theranostics versus established therapies.
Main Results:
- FH is driven by genetic defects affecting LDL-C metabolism, leading to premature cardiovascular events.
- ncRNAs play crucial roles in maintaining LDL-C homeostasis and are implicated in FH pathogenesis.
- ncRNAs show promise as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for FH.
Conclusions:
- Targeting ncRNAs presents a novel theranostic avenue for managing FH and its associated cardiovascular risks.
- ncRNA-based strategies offer potential advantages over conventional treatments but require further investigation.
- Early identification and intervention using ncRNA biomarkers and therapeutics can improve FH patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common monogenic disease which is associated with high serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and leads to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Early diagnosis and effective treatment strategy can significantly improve prognosis. Recently, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and innovative targets for therapeutics. Non-coding RNAs have essential roles in the regulation of LDL-C homeostasis, suggesting that manipulation and regulating ncRNAs could be a promising theranostic approach to ameliorate clinical complications of FH, particularly cardiovascular disease. In this review, we briefly discussed the mechanisms and pathophysiology of FH and novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of FH. Moreover, the theranostic effects of different non-coding RNAs for the treatment and diagnosis of FH were highlighted. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of ncRNA-based therapies vs. conventional therapies were discussed.
Related Concept Videos
lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
Regulation of Nuclear Protein Sorting
Cis-regulatory Sequences
Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

