Long noncoding RNA integrates a DNA-PK-mediated DNA damage response and vascular senescence.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging regulators of biological processes in the vessel wall; however, their role in atherosclerosis remains poorly defined. We used RNA sequencing to profile lncRNAs derived specifically from the aortic intima of mice on a high-cholesterol diet during lesion progression and regression phases. We found that the evolutionarily conserved lncRNA small nucleolar host gene-12 () is highly expressed in the vascular endothelium and decreases during lesion progression. knockdown accelerated atherosclerotic lesion formation by 2.4-fold in mice by increased DNA damage and senescence in the vascular endothelium, independent of effects on lipid profile or vessel wall inflammation. Conversely, intravenous delivery of protected the tunica intima from DNA damage and atherosclerosis. LncRNA pulldown in combination with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis showed that interacted with DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), an important regulator of the DNA damage response. The absence of reduced the DNA-PK interaction with its binding partners Ku70 and Ku80, abrogating DNA damage repair. Moreover, the anti-DNA damage agent nicotinamide riboside (NR), a clinical-grade small-molecule activator of NAD, fully rescued the increases in lesional DNA damage, senescence, and atherosclerosis mediated by knockdown. expression was also reduced in pig and human atherosclerotic specimens and correlated inversely with DNA damage and senescent markers. These findings reveal a role for this lncRNA in regulating DNA damage repair in the vessel wall and may have implications for chronic vascular disease states and aging.