MicroRNAs involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway in atherosclerosis

Abstract

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease with a multifactorial pathogenesis. It becomes a global health concern, especially causing an array of fatal consequences among the elderly. However, the mechanisms of AS remain unexplained. The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway is widely involved in the inflammation, immune function, proliferation, differentiation，and apoptosis in vivo. Based on previous researches, it has not been confirmed whether the TGF-β pathway promotes or inhibits atherosclerosis. Furthermore, more and more studies have found that microRNAs can regulate atherosclerosis through the TGF-β signaling pathway. In this review, we summarize and discuss the role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis via the TGF-β signaling pathway.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis; MicroRNAs; TGF-β signaling pathway; Vascular endothelial cell damage; Vascular smooth muscle cells.