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Synthesis of Monocyte-targeting Peptide Amphiphile Micelles for Imaging of Atherosclerosis
Published on: November 17, 2017
Monocytic microRNAs-Novel targets in atherosclerosis therapy
Gerhild Euler1, Mariana Parahuleva2
1Institute of Physiology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRs) influence macrophage polarization, a key factor in atherosclerosis. This review explores how targeting these miRs offers potential new treatments for this inflammatory vascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Immunology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease driven by monocytes/macrophages.
- Macrophage polarization imbalance and cholesterol accumulation contribute to plaque instability.
- MicroRNAs (miRs) are emerging regulators of monocyte/macrophage function in atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of monocyte/macrophage-derived miRs in atherosclerosis.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of miRs in modulating macrophage behavior.
- To identify novel treatment strategies for atherosclerosis using miR-based interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on microRNA involvement in monocyte/macrophage biology.
- Analysis of studies investigating miR effects on macrophage polarization and foam cell formation.
- Examination of research on miR mimics and antagomiRs for therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- Dysregulated macrophage polarization, influenced by miRs, promotes atherosclerosis.
- MiRs modulate key pro-atherosclerotic processes like cholesterol uptake and efferocytosis.
- Targeting specific miRs can potentially reverse or halt atherosclerotic progression.
Conclusions:
- Monocyte/macrophage-derived miRs are critical players in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
- miR-based therapies (mimics/antagomiRs) represent a promising avenue for treating atherosclerosis.
- Further research into miR regulation of macrophage function could yield significant clinical benefits.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is a chronic proinflammatory disease of the vascular wall resulting in narrowing of arteries due to plaque formation, thereby causing reduced blood supply that is the leading cause for diverse end-organ damage with high mortality rates. Monocytes/macrophages, activated by elevated circulating lipoproteins, are significantly involved in the formation and development of atherosclerotic plaques. The imbalance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory macrophages, arising from dysregulated macrophage polarization, appears to be a driving force in this process. Proatherosclerotic processes acting on monocytes/macrophages include accumulation of cholesterol in macrophages leading to foam cell formation, as well as dysfunctional efferocytosis, all of which contribute to the formation of unstable plaques. In recent years, microRNAs (miRs) were identified as factors that could modulate monocyte/macrophage function and may therefore interfere with the atherosclerotic process. In this review, we present effects of monocyte/macrophage-derived miRs on atherosclerotic processes in order to reveal new treatment options using miRmimics or antagomiRs. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Non-coding RNA Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v182.2/issuetoc.
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