MicroRNA Profiling of the Pathophysiological Mechanisms Underlying Carotid Atherosclerosis Progression
Katarzyna Prus1, Marco Sanvitti2, Federico Bilotta3
1Department of Stroke and Early Post-stroke Rehabilitation, University Clinical Hospital No. 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland.
Biomolecules
|July 28, 2026
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in carotid atherosclerosis, influencing plaque development and instability. Circulating miRNA profiles offer potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for stroke risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Carotid atherosclerosis is a primary cause of ischemic stroke.
- It involves complex interactions of inflammation, lipid metabolism, and vascular dysfunction.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of these molecular processes in atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of miRNAs in endothelial dysfunction, smooth muscle cell proliferation, macrophage activation, and plaque vulnerability.
- To highlight specific miRNAs with atherogenic and protective effects.
- To discuss the potential of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current evidence on miRNAs in carotid atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of specific miRNA roles (e.g., miR-21, miR-145, miR-200c).
- Evaluation of circulating miRNA profiles for diagnostic and therapeutic potential.
Main Results:
- Specific miRNAs (miR-21, miR-145, miR-200c) have context-dependent roles in atherogenesis.
- Circulating miRNA profiles show promise as noninvasive biomarkers for plaque instability and stroke prediction.
- miRNAs represent potential therapeutic targets for carotid artery disease.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs are central to the molecular mechanisms of carotid atherosclerosis.
- Circulating miRNAs hold significant potential for clinical applications in risk stratification and personalized medicine.
- Further research is needed for standardization and clinical implementation, potentially integrating multi-miRNA panels with AI and imaging.
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