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Updated: May 24, 2025

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology
Published on: May 6, 2014
The role of NRF2 function and regulation in atherosclerosis: an update
Siarhei A Dabravolski1, Alexey V Churov2, Dmitry F Beloyartsev3
1Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Braude Academic College of Engineering, Snunit 51, P.O. Box 78, 2161002, Karmiel, Israel. sergedobrowolski@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the arteries, remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. This review examines the molecular mechanisms underlying NRF2 role in atherosclerosis, focusing on the recently defined intricate interplay between autophagy, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway, microRNAs (miRNAs), and genes regulating NRF2 with atheroprotective effects. The NRF2/autophagy axis emerges as a critical regulator of cellular responses to oxidative stress and inflammation in atherosclerosis, with key players including Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90), Neuropeptide Y (NPY), and Glutaredoxin 2 (GLRX2). MiRNAs are identified as potent regulators of gene expression in atherosclerosis, impacting NRF2 signalling and disease susceptibility. Additionally, genes such as Prenyl diphosphate synthase subunit 2 (PDSS2), Sulfiredoxin1 (Srxn1), and Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) are implicated in NRF2-dependent atheroprotective pathways. Future research directions include elucidating the complex interactions between these molecular pathways, evaluating novel therapeutic targets in preclinical and clinical settings, and addressing challenges related to drug delivery and patient heterogeneity. Despite limitations, this review underscores the potential for targeted interventions aimed at modulating NRF2/autophagy signalling and miRNA regulatory networks to mitigate atherosclerosis progression and improve cardiovascular outcomes.
Insights
The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway and autophagy are key in atherosclerosis. Targeting these pathways and microRNAs may offer new treatments for cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Immunology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a major cause of death globally, driven by chronic inflammation.
- Understanding the molecular underpinnings of atherosclerosis is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway in atherosclerosis.
- To explore the interplay between NRF2, autophagy, microRNAs (miRNAs), and atheroprotective genes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of molecular mechanisms in atherosclerosis.
- Focus on the NRF2 pathway, autophagy, and miRNA regulation.
- Identification of key genes and proteins involved in NRF2-mediated atheroprotection.
Main Results:
- The NRF2/autophagy axis is critical for cellular responses to oxidative stress and inflammation in atherosclerosis.
- Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90), Neuropeptide Y (NPY), and Glutaredoxin 2 (GLRX2) are key players.
- MiRNAs significantly regulate gene expression impacting NRF2 signaling and disease susceptibility.
- Genes like PDSS2, Srxn1, and IDH1 are involved in NRF2-dependent atheroprotective pathways.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the NRF2/autophagy axis and miRNA networks holds therapeutic potential for atherosclerosis.
- Further research is needed to elucidate complex interactions and develop novel interventions.
- Modulating these pathways may improve cardiovascular outcomes by mitigating atherosclerosis progression.
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