Circular RNAs: Regulators of endothelial cell dysfunction in atherosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cardiovascular Research
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction is a key factor in atherosclerosis development.
• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are novel regulatory molecules with tissue-specific expression patterns.
• ECs are regulated by circRNAs primarily through microRNA (miRNA) interactions or protein sponging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the regulatory mechanisms and physiological functions of circRNAs in ECs.
• To examine the differential expression of circRNAs in dysfunctional ECs.
• To elucidate the role of circRNAs in EC processes relevant to atherosclerosis, including inflammation, proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, apoptosis, senescence, and autophagy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on circRNA research in endothelial cells.
• Analysis of circRNA involvement in key cellular signaling pathways (NF-κB, NLRP3/caspase-1, JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt).
• Discussion of recent advances and challenges in circRNA research.

Main Results:

• CircRNAs exhibit diverse regulatory roles in ECs, impacting critical cellular functions.
• Aberrant expression of specific circRNAs is observed in dysfunctional ECs.
• CircRNAs modulate EC behavior through well-defined signaling pathways implicated in atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

• CircRNAs are significant regulators of EC function and play a crucial role in atherosclerosis.
• Further research into circRNA-mediated EC regulation can provide therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.
• This review synthesizes current knowledge, offering a reference for future studies on circRNAs and EC dysfunction.