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Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation

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Nonhematopoietic MicroRNA-26b^-/- Augments Atherosclerosis Development by Increasing Endothelial Inflammation and

Linsey J F Peters¹, Kiril Bidzhekov¹, Remco T A Megens^1,2,3

¹Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany (L.J.F.P., K.B., R.T.A.M., Y.J., M.H., C.W., Y.D., E.P.C.v.d.V.).

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology

|December 30, 2025

Abstract

Background:

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, and microRNA-26b (miR-26b) has emerged as a significant regulator in its development. This study investigates the role of nonhematopoietic miR-26b in atherosclerosis.

Methods:

To study the specific role of nonhematopoietic cell miR-26b in atherosclerosis development, we used a reverse bone marrow transplantation model combined with 12-week Western-type diet feeding.

Results:

Nonhematopoietic-specific miR-26b deficiency exacerbated atherosclerosis, characterized by larger plaques with increased collagen and necrotic core content. Enhanced VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1) expression correlated with elevated leukocyte adhesion in ex vivo perfusion studies. Restoration of miR-26b levels in human coronary artery endothelial cells reduced inflammatory responses and leukocyte adhesion.

Conclusions:

Our findings highlight that nonhematopoietic miR-26b plays a protective role in atherosclerosis by modulating endothelial cell function, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for miR-26b mimics in cardiovascular disease management.

Keywords:

aorta, thoracic atherosclerosis bone marrow transplantation cardiovascular diseases lipid nanoparticles

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