MicroRNAs and atherosclerosis

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, ~22 nucleotide (nt) sequences of RNA that regulate gene expression at posttranscriptional level. These endogenous gene expression inhibitors were primarily described in cancer but recent exciting findings have also demonstrated a key role in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including atherosclerosis. MiRNAs control endothelial cell (EC), vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC), and macrophage functions, and thereby regulate the progression of atherosclerosis. MiRNA expression is modulated by different stimuli involved in every stage of atherosclerosis, and conversely miRNAs modulates several pathways implicated in plaque development such as cholesterol metabolism. In the present review, we focus on the importance of miRNAs in atherosclerosis, and we further discuss their potential use as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in CVDs.

Figure 1. MicroRNAs and atheroslcerosis

A) Atherosclerotic plaque showing some of the relevant factors involved in atherosclerosis development: cell types (leucocytes/macrophages, SMCs, ECs, RBCs, platelets), cholesterol particles (VLDL, LDL and HDL), collagen, necrotic and lipid core. B–D) Table of the some relevant cell types involved in atherosclerosis, microRNAs and the processes these miRNAs modulate in the given cell. E) Table of the cell communication stablished by different cell types involved in atherosclerosis.