微小分子核糖核酸与动脉粥样硬化发生发展的关系

The Co-relationship of MicroRNA and Atherosclerosis

微小分子核糖核酸是属内源性小分子核糖核酸,通过降解或抑制靶基因,在转录后水平调节基因表达。一些微小核糖核酸是动脉粥样硬化形成过程的调节器,包括内皮细胞损伤与修复、内皮祖细胞分化、炎症反应、脂质代谢和平滑肌细胞增殖等。另外一些微小核糖核酸可能是动脉粥样硬化新颖的诊断标志物或者治疗目靶。现就最近的研究阐述微小核糖核酸与动脉粥样硬化发生过程的关系。

miRNAs are small, endogenously expressed noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression, mainly at the post-transcrip- tional level, via degradation or translational inhibition of their target mRNAs. Several miRNAs have been found to be modulators of atherosclerosis formation, such as endothelial cells injure and repair , endothelial progenitor ceils differentiation, inflammation, lipid metabolism and smooth muscle cells proliferation. Thus, miRNAs may serve as novel biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis. This article summarizes the current studies related to the disease correlations and functional roles of miRNAs participating in atherosclerosis development process.