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Review
. 2021 May 13;23(7):38.
doi: 10.1007/s11883-021-00930-7.

HDL-small RNA Export, Transport, and Functional Delivery in Atherosclerosis

Kasey C Vickers  1 , Danielle L Michell  2
Affiliations
Review

HDL-small RNA Export, Transport, and Functional Delivery in Atherosclerosis

Kasey C Vickers et al. Curr Atheroscler Rep. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review highlights recent advances on the mechanisms and impact of HDL-small non-coding RNAs (sRNA) on intercellular communication in atherosclerosis.

Recent findings: Studies demonstrate that HDL-microRNAs (miRNA) are significantly altered in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and are responsive to diet, obesity, and diabetes. Immune cells, pancreatic beta cells, and neurons are shown to export miRNAs to HDL. In turn, HDL can deliver functional miRNAs to recipient hepatocytes and endothelial cells regulating adhesion molecule expression, cytokines, and angiogenesis. With high-throughput sRNA sequencing, we now appreciate the full sRNA signature on circulating HDL, including the transport of rRNA and tRNA-derived fragments. Strikingly, HDL were highly enriched with exogenous microbial sRNAs. HDL transport a diverse set of host and non-host sRNAs that are altered in cardiometabolic diseases. Given the bioactivity of these sRNAs, they likely contribute to cellular communication within atherosclerotic lesions, and are potential disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Endothelial cells; HDL; Macrophages; MicroRNA; Obesity.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic of HDL-miRNA intercellular communication. Cellular sources include pancreatic islets and beta cells, macrophages, neurons, and neutrophils. Recipient cells include endothelial cells, microglia, and hepatocytes
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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