Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2025
Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice
Published on: February 20, 2019
MicroRNAs Regulate Function in Atherosclerosis and Clinical Implications
Zhaoyi Li1, Yidan Zhao1, Sei Suguro2
1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
Background:
Atherosclerosis is considered the most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Athermanous plaque formation is pathognomonic of atherosclerosis. The main feature of atherosclerosis is the formation of plaque, which is inseparable from endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and macrophages. MicroRNAs, a small highly conserved noncoding ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecule, have multiple biological functions, such as regulating gene transcription, silencing target gene expression, and affecting protein translation. MicroRNAs also have various pharmacological activities, such as regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolic processes. It is noteworthy that many studies in recent years have also proved that microRNAs play a role in atherosclerosis.
Methods:
To summarize the functions of microRNAs in atherosclerosis, we reviewed all relevant articles published in the PubMed database before June 2022, with keywords "atherosclerosis," "microRNA," "endothelial cells," "vascular smooth muscle cells," "macrophages," and "cholesterol homeostasis," briefly summarized a series of research progress on the function of microRNAs in endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and macrophages and atherosclerosis. Results and Conclusion. In general, the expression levels of some microRNAs changed significantly in different stages of atherosclerosis pathogenesis; therefore, MicroRNAs may become new diagnostic biomarkers for atherosclerosis. In addition, microRNAs are also involved in the regulation of core processes such as endothelial dysfunction, plaque formation and stabilization, and cholesterol metabolism, which also suggests the great potential of microRNAs as a therapeutic target.
Insights
MicroRNAs play a crucial role in atherosclerosis by regulating key cellular processes. These molecules show potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this widespread disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Medicine
- Genetics and Epigenetics
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a leading global cause of death, characterized by plaque formation involving endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and macrophages.
- MicroRNAs (noncoding RNA) are critical regulators of gene expression, influencing cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolism.
- Emerging research highlights the significant involvement of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the multifaceted roles of microRNAs in atherosclerosis.
- To explore the function of microRNAs in endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and macrophages within the context of atherosclerosis.
- To assess the potential of microRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of PubMed-indexed articles published before June 2022.
- Keywords used: "atherosclerosis," "microRNA," "endothelial cells," "vascular smooth muscle cells," "macrophages," and "cholesterol homeostasis."
- Synthesis of research findings on microRNA functions in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Significant alterations in microRNA expression levels observed across different stages of atherosclerosis.
- MicroRNAs implicated in regulating endothelial dysfunction, plaque stability, and cholesterol metabolism.
- Evidence suggests microRNAs are integral to core processes of atherosclerosis development.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs represent promising novel diagnostic biomarkers for atherosclerosis.
- MicroRNAs demonstrate substantial potential as therapeutic targets for managing atherosclerosis.
- Further research into microRNA functions can advance atherosclerosis treatment strategies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
01:27Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
01:23Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:38Inflammation