LncRNAs as Regulators of Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cardiovascular Research
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) remain a leading cause of mortality globally.
• Unstable atherosclerotic plaques precipitate acute coronary events, yet current diagnostics overlook plaque phenotype diversity.
• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial epigenetic regulators with roles in cellular processes relevant to atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of lncRNAs' roles in atherosclerotic plaque development and stability.
• To highlight the influence of lncRNAs on key cellular functions involved in atherogenesis.
• To discuss challenges and future directions for lncRNA research in ASCVD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on lncRNAs and atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of lncRNA functions in immune response, lipid metabolism, and vascular cell function.
• Discussion of translational challenges from animal models to human therapies.

Main Results:

• lncRNAs significantly impact plaque progression and stability by modulating immune responses, lipid metabolism, extracellular matrix, and vascular cell functions.
• Specific pro-atherogenic and anti-atherogenic lncRNA functions have been identified.
• Significant challenges exist in translating lncRNA research findings into clinical applications for ASCVD.

Conclusions:

• lncRNAs are critical players in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
• Targeting lncRNAs presents a promising avenue for developing novel therapeutic strategies for ASCVD.
• Further research is needed to overcome translational hurdles and realize the clinical potential of lncRNAs in managing atherosclerotic diseases.