Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Noncommunicable Disease Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
Mol Cell Biochem. 2021 Mar;476(3):1327-1336. doi: 10.1007/s11010-020-03992-4. Epub 2021 Jan 3.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important molecules which implicated in various processes, such as differentiation, development, cell survival, cell apoptosis and also cell metabolism. Investigations over decades have revealed that various genes and signaling pathways are implicated in beginning and development of atherosclerosis, several miRNAs being involved in these dysregulated genes and pathways. miRNAs have provided new molecular vision in the context of atherosclerosis. miRNAs are considered as important regulators of cellular migration, differentiation, proliferation, lipid uptake and efflux, as well as cytokine production. Application of miRNAs as a biomarker in diagnosis, prognosis and even therapy is quiet exciting. Although animal researches showed promising results, still some practical difficulties and technical challenges need to be addressed before translation from researches into clinical practices. In this review, we present important data about three critical cells endothelial cell (EC), vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC), and monocyte/macrophage and regulation of these cells through miRNAs. Furthermore, we discuss about the potential of miRNAs as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers, therapeutic opportunities and challenges, and also future perspective.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) 是一类重要的分子，参与多种过程，如分化、发育、细胞存活、细胞凋亡和细胞代谢。数十年来的研究表明，多种基因和信号通路参与动脉粥样硬化的发生和发展，其中一些 miRNAs 涉及这些失调的基因和通路。miRNAs 为动脉粥样硬化提供了新的分子视角。miRNAs 被认为是细胞迁移、分化、增殖、脂质摄取和流出以及细胞因子产生的重要调节因子。miRNAs 作为诊断、预后甚至治疗的生物标志物的应用非常令人兴奋。尽管动物研究显示出了有希望的结果，但在将研究转化为临床实践之前，仍需要解决一些实际困难和技术挑战。在这篇综述中，我们介绍了关于内皮细胞 (EC)、血管平滑肌细胞 (VSMC) 和单核细胞/巨噬细胞这三种关键细胞以及通过 miRNAs 对这些细胞的调控的重要数据。此外，我们还讨论了 miRNAs 作为预后和诊断生物标志物、治疗机会和挑战以及未来展望的潜力。
