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Non-Coding RNA Involved in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis-A Narrative Review
Kajetan Kiełbowski1, Justyna Żychowska1, Estera Bakinowska1
1Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland.
Insights
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) like microRNAs are implicated in atherosclerosis, a condition causing plaque buildup in arteries. Understanding ncRNA roles may lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Genetics
Background:
- Atherosclerosis involves lipid accumulation in arteries, leading to severe cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.
- Its complex pathogenesis and subclinical progression necessitate novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
- To explore ncRNAs as potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current evidence on ncRNA involvement in atherosclerosis mechanisms.
- Analysis of gene expression regulation by microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs.
Main Results:
- ncRNAs, including miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA, are dysregulated in pathological conditions.
- These molecules influence gene expression relevant to atherosclerosis development.
Conclusions:
- Dysregulated ncRNAs are integral to atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
- ncRNAs show promise as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for managing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is a highly prevalent condition associated with lipid accumulation in the intima layer of arterial blood vessels. The development of atherosclerotic plaques is associated with the incidence of major cardiovascular events, such as acute coronary syndrome or ischemic stroke. Due to the significant prevalence of atherosclerosis and its subclinical progression, it is associated with severe and potentially lethal complications. The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is complex and not entirely known. The identification of novel non-invasive diagnostic markers and treatment methods that could suppress the progression of this condition is highly required. Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) involves several subclasses of RNA molecules. microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA) differently regulate gene expression. Importantly, these molecules are frequently dysregulated under pathological conditions, which is associated with enhanced or suppressed expression of their target genes. In this review, we aim to discuss the involvement of ncRNA in crucial mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We summarize current evidence on the potential use of these molecules as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
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