LncRNA TUG1 regulates ApoM to promote atherosclerosis progression through miR-92a/FXR1 axis

The Role of Selected lncRNAs in Lipid Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Lipid disorders increase the risk for the development of cardiometabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. Lipids levels, apart from diet, smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise, are also influenced by genetic factors. Recent studies suggested the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the regulation of lipid formation and metabolism. Despite their lack of protein-coding capacity, lncRNAs are crucial regulators of various physiological and pathological processes since they affect the transcription and epigenetic chromatin remodelling. LncRNAs act as molecular signal, scaffold, decoy, enhancer, and guide molecules. This review summarises available data concerning the impact of lncRNAs on lipid levels and metabolism, as well as impact on cardiovascular disease risk. This relationship is significant because altered lipid metabolism is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and lncRNAs may play a crucial regulatory role. Understanding these mechanisms could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies to mitigate cardiovascular disease risk through targeted modulation of lncRNAs. The identification of dysregulated lncRNAs may pose promising candidates for therapeutic interventions, since strategies enabling the restoration of their levels could offer an effective means to impede disease progression without disrupting normal biological functions. LncRNAs may also serve as valuable biomarker candidates for various pathological states, including cardiovascular disease. However, still much remains unknown about the functions of most lncRNAs, thus extensive studies are necessary elucidate their roles in physiology, development, and disease.

Advances in applications of artificial intelligence algorithms for cancer-related miRNA research

MiRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs, which regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by partial complementary base pairing. Aberrant miRNA expressions have been reported in tumor tissues and peripheral blood of cancer patients. In recent years, artificial intelligence algorithms such as machine learning and deep learning have been widely used in bioinformatic research. Compared to traditional bioinformatic tools, miRNA target prediction tools based on artificial intelligence algorithms have higher accuracy, and can successfully predict subcellular localization and redistribution of miRNAs to deepen our understanding. Additionally, the construction of clinical models based on artificial intelligence algorithms could significantly improve the mining efficiency of miRNA used as biomarkers. In this article, we summarize recent development of bioinformatic miRNA tools based on artificial intelligence algorithms, focusing on the potential of machine learning and deep learning in cancer-related miRNA research.

The Mechanisms of miRNAs on Target Regulation and their Recent Advances in Atherosclerosis

miRNAs are crucial regulators in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, while their regulation mechanisms were usually described as negatively regulating gene expression by targeting the 3'-untranslated region(3'-UTR) of target gene miRNAs through seed sequence in tremendous studies. However, recent evidence indicated the existence of non-canonical mechanisms mediated by binding other molecules besides mRNAs. Additionally, accumulating evidence showed that functions of intracellular and intercellular miRNAs exhibited spatiotemporal patterns. Considering that detailed knowledge of the miRNA regulating mechanism is essential for understanding the roles and further clinical applications associated with their dysfunction and dysregulation, which is complicated and not fully clarified. Based on that, we summarized the recently reported regulation mechanisms of miRNAs, including recognitions, patterns of actions, and chemical modifications. And we also highlight the novel findings of miRNAs in atherosclerosis progression researches to provide new insights for non-coding RNA-based therapy in intractable diseases.

lncRNA TUG1 as potential novel biomarker for prognosis of cardiovascular diseases

Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of death. In light of the high prevalence and mortality of CVDs, it is imperative to understand the molecules involved in CVD pathogenesis and the signaling pathways that they initiate. This may facilitate the development of more precise and expedient diagnostic techniques, the identification of more effective prognostic molecules and the identification of potential therapeutic targets. Numerous studies have examined the role of lncRNAs, such as TUG1, in CVD pathogenesis in recent years. According to this review article, TUG1 can be considered a biomarker for predicting the prognosis of CVD.

Role of Macrophage lncRNAs in Mediating Inflammatory Processes in Atherosclerosis and Sepsis

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are molecules >200 bases in length without protein-coding functions implicated in signal transduction and gene expression regulation via interaction with proteins or RNAs, exhibiting various functions. The expression of lncRNAs has been detected in many cell types, including macrophages, a type of immune cell involved in acute and chronic inflammation, removal of dead or damaged cells, and tissue repair. Increasing evidence indicates that lncRNAs play essential roles in macrophage functions and disease development. Additionally, many animal studies have reported that blockage or modulation of lncRNA functions alleviates disease severity or morbidity rate. The present review summarizes the current knowledge regarding lncRNAs expressed in macrophages, focusing on their molecular targets and the biological processes regulated by them during the development of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis and sepsis. Possible application of this information to lncRNA-targeting therapy is also discussed. The studies regarding macrophage lncRNAs described in this review can help provide valuable information for developing treatments for various pathological conditions involving macrophages.

Current advancements and future perspectives of long noncoding RNAs in lipid metabolism and signaling

BACKGROUND

The investigation of lncRNAs has provided a novel perspective for elucidating mechanisms underlying diverse physiological and pathological processes. Compelling evidence has revealed an intrinsic link between lncRNAs and lipid metabolism, demonstrating that lncRNAs-induced disruption of lipid metabolism and signaling contribute to the development of multiple cancers and some other diseases, including obesity, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease.

AIMOF REVIEW

The current review summarizes the recent advances in basic research about lipid metabolism and lipid signaling-related lncRNAs. Meanwhile, the potential and challenges of targeting lncRNA for the therapy of cancers and other lipid metabolism-related diseases are also discussed.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPT OF REVIEW

Compared with the substantial number of lncRNA loci, we still know little about the role of lncRNAs in metabolism. A more comprehensive understanding of the function and mechanism of lncRNAs may provide a new standpoint for the study of lipid metabolism and signaling. Developing lncRNA-based therapeutic approaches is an effective strategy for lipid metabolism-related diseases.

RNA-binding proteins in vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the major cause of premature death and disability worldwide, even when patients with an established manifestation of atherosclerotic heart disease are optimally treated according to the clinical guidelines. Apart from the epigenetic control of transcription of the genetic information to messenger RNAs (mRNAs), gene expression is tightly controlled at the post-transcriptional level before the initiation of translation. Although mRNAs are traditionally perceived as the messenger molecules that bring genetic information from the nuclear DNA to the cytoplasmic ribosomes for protein synthesis, emerging evidence suggests that processes controlling RNA metabolism, driven by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), affect cellular function in health and disease. Over the recent years, vascular endothelial cell, smooth muscle cell and immune cell RBPs have emerged as key co- or post-transcriptional regulators of several genes related to vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. In this review, we provide an overview of cell-specific function of RNA-binding proteins involved in all stages of ASCVD and how this knowledge may be used for the development of novel precision medicine therapeutics.

Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of Lipoxygenase Pathways and Reverse Cholesterol Transport in Atherogenesis

Atherosclerosis is one of the most important medical and social problems of modern society. Atherosclerosis causes a large number of hospitalizations, disability, and mortality. A considerable amount of evidence suggests that inflammation is one of the key links in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Inflammation in the vascular wall has extensive cross-linkages with lipid metabolism, and lipid mediators act as a central link in the regulation of inflammation in the vascular wall. Data on the role of genetics and epigenetic factors in the development of atherosclerosis are of great interest. A growing body of evidence is strengthening the understanding of the significance of gene polymorphism, as well as gene expression dysregulation involved in cross-links between lipid metabolism and the innate immune system. A better understanding of the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis is an important step towards solving the problems of its early diagnosis and treatment.

Foam Cells in Atherosclerosis: Novel Insights Into Its Origins, Consequences, and Molecular Mechanisms

Foam cells play a vital role in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. This review aims to summarize the novel insights into the origins, consequences, and molecular mechanisms of foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques. Foam cells are originated from monocytes as well as from vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), stem/progenitor cells, and endothelium cells. Novel technologies including lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) have revolutionized our understanding of subtypes of monocyte- and VSMC-derived foam cells. By using scRNA-seq, three main clusters including resident-like, inflammatory, and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (Trem2 hi ) are identified as the major subtypes of monocyte-derived foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques. Foam cells undergo diverse pathways of programmed cell death including apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, contributing to the necrotic cores of atherosclerotic plaques. The formation of foam cells is affected by cholesterol uptake, efflux, and esterification. Novel mechanisms including nuclear receptors, non-coding RNAs, and gut microbiota have been discovered and investigated. Although the heterogeneity of monocytes and the complexity of non-coding RNAs make obstacles for targeting foam cells, further in-depth research and therapeutic exploration are needed for the better management of atherosclerosis.

The Role of the VEGF Family in Atherosclerosis Development and Its Potential as Treatment Targets

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, the crucial regulator of angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, lipid metabolism and inflammation, is involved in the development of atherosclerosis and further CVDs (cardiovascular diseases). This review discusses the general regulation and functions of VEGFs, their role in lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis development and progression. These functions present the great potential of applying the VEGF family as a target in the treatment of atherosclerosis and related CVDs. In addition, we discuss several modern anti-atherosclerosis VEGFs-targeted experimental procedures, drugs and natural compounds, which could significantly improve the efficiency of atherosclerosis and related CVDs' treatment.

Genomic Variants and Multilevel Regulation of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SCARB1 Expression in Atherogenesis

Atheroprotective properties of human plasma high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are determined by their involvement in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) from the macrophage to the liver. ABCA1, ABCG1, and SR-BI cholesterol transporters are involved in cholesterol efflux from macrophages to lipid-free ApoA-I and HDL as a first RCT step. Molecular determinants of RCT efficiency that may possess diagnostic and therapeutic meaning remain largely unknown. This review summarizes the progress in studying the genomic variants of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SCARB1, and the regulation of their function at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in atherosclerosis. Defects in the structure and function of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SR-BI are caused by changes in the gene sequence, such as single nucleotide polymorphism or various mutations. In the transcription initiation of transporter genes, in addition to transcription factors, long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), transcription activators, and repressors are also involved. Furthermore, transcription is substantially influenced by the methylation of gene promoter regions. Post-transcriptional regulation involves microRNAs and lncRNAs, including circular RNAs. The potential biomarkers and targets for atheroprotection, based on molecular mechanisms of expression regulation for three transporter genes, are also discussed in this review.

lncRNA TUG1 promotes atherosclerosis progression by targeting miR-382-5p

OBJECTIVE

Atherosclerosis is a key risk factor for the initiation of cardiovascular disease, which results in high morbidity and mortality. lncRNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) has been reported to participate in the development of atherosclerosis. Here, we aimed to investigate the interaction of TUG1 and miR-382-5p in regulating atherosclerosis progression.

METHODS

The levels of TUG1 and miR-382-5p in atherosclerotic serum samples and a cell model were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Pearson correlation analysis was then applied to TUG1 and miR-382-5p expression. Moreover, the interaction between TUG1 and miR-382-5p was confirmed by luciferase assay. The biological interaction between TUG1 and miR-382-5p was also dissected by loss of function analyses, including cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Caspase-3 assays for cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively, in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-treated human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

RESULTS

TUG1 and miR-382-5p expressions were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, in both atherosclerotic serum samples and a cell model. In addition, the expression of TUG1 was negatively correlated with the level of miR-382-5p in atherosclerotic serum samples. Moreover, silencing of TUG1 reduced cell growth and enhanced the apoptosis of ox-LDL-treated VSMCs. Notably, a miR-382-5p inhibitor significantly reversed the effect of TUG1 downregulation on ox-LDL-treated VSMCs, which aggravates the process of atherosclerosis.

CONCLUSION

TUG1 can aggravate atherosclerosis progression by reducing the expression of miR-382-5p. This study provides an effective treatment target of atherosclerosis patients based on the TUG1-miR-382-5p axis.

LncRNATUG1 Facilitates Th2 Cell Differentiation by Targeting the miR-29c/B7-H3 Axis on Macrophages

The role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) in asthma remains unclear. In this study, we examined the role of long non-coding RNA taurine upregulated 1 (lncRNA TUG1) in asthma. We found that lncRNA TUG1 is one of the differentially expressed lncRNAs in the monocytes of asthmatic children and is associated with Th cell differentiation. LncRNA TUG1 and miR-29c are mainly distributed in the cytoplasm of macrophages. Our data suggested that lncRNA TUG1 increased in macrophages stimulated by House Dust Mite in a dose-dependent manner. Using loss- and gain of function strategy, we found that miR-29c might regulate Th2 cell differentiation by directly targeting co-stimulatory molecule B7-H3. Furthermore, down-regulation of lncRNA TUG1 decreased the level of GATA3 in CD4+T cells and was associated with miR-29c/B7-H3 axis. Moreover, the dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that lncRNA TUG1 serves as a competing endogenous RNA to sponge miR-29c. According to the rescue experiment, lncRNA TUG1 regulated Th2 cell differentiation via miR-29c. These data suggest that lncRNA TUG1 in macrophages regulates Th2 cell differentiation via miR-29c/B7-H3 axis.

Long Noncoding RNAs: Novel Important Players in Adipocyte Lipid Metabolism and Derivative Diseases

Obesity, a global public health issue, is characterized by excessive adiposity and is strongly related to some chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Extra energy intake-induced adipogenesis involves various transcription factors and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that control lipogenic mRNA expression. Currently, lncRNAs draw much attention for their contribution to adipogenesis and adipose tissue function. Increasing evidence also manifests the pivotal role of lncRNAs in modulating white, brown, and beige adipose tissue development and affecting the progression of the diseases induced by adipose dysfunction. The aim of this review is to summarize the roles of lncRNAs in adipose tissue development and obesity-caused diseases to provide novel drug targets for the treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases.

LncRNA TUG1 ameliorates diabetic nephropathy via inhibition of PU.1/RTN1 signaling pathway

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a leading cause of end-stage renal failure. The study aimed to investigate whether long noncoding RNA taurine-upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) can ameliorate the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells in DN, and the underlying mechanism. The DN mouse model was established by streptozocin injection, and the human renal tubular epithelial cell line HK-2 was treated with high glucose (HG) to mimic DN in vitro. The molecular mechanism was explored through dual-luciferase activity assay, RNA pull-down assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) assay. The expression of TUG1 was significantly decreased in the renal tubules of DN model mice. Overexpression of TUG1 reduced the levels of ERS markers and apoptosis markers by inhibiting reticulon-1 (RTN1) expression in HG-induced HK-2 cells. Furthermore, TUG1 down-regulated RTN1 expression by inhibiting the binding of transcription factor PU.1 to the RTN1 promoter, thereby reducing the levels of ERS markers and apoptosis markers. Meanwhile, TUG1-overexpression adenovirus plasmids injection significantly alleviated tubular lesions, and reduced RTN1 expression, ERS markers and apoptosis markers, whereas these results were reversed by injection of PU.1-overexpression adenovirus plasmids. TUG1 restrains the ERS and apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells and ameliorates DN through inhibition of transcription factor PU.1.

Regulation of the apolipoprotein M signaling pathway: a review

Apolipoprotein M (apoM), an apolipoprotein predominantly associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL), is considered a mediator of the numerous roles of HDL, including reverse cholesterol transport, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, and mediates pre-β-HDL formation. ApoM expression is known to be regulated by a variety of in vivo and in vitro factors. The transcription factors farnesoid X receptor, small heterodimer partner, liver receptor homolog-1, and liver X receptor comprise the signaling cascade network that regulates the expression and secretion of apoM. Moreover, hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α and c-Jun/JunB have been demonstrated to exert opposing regulatory effects on apoM through competitive binding to the same sites in the proximal region of the apoM gene. Furthermore, as a carrier and modulator of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), apoM binds to S1P within its hydrophobic-binding pocket. The apoM/S1P axis has been discovered to play a crucial role in the apoM signaling pathway through its ability to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, vascular barrier homeostasis, inflammatory response and other pathological and physiological processes. Using the findings of previous studies, the present review aimed to summarize the regulation of apoM expression by various factors and its role in different physiological and pathological conditions, and provide a new perspective for the further treatment of these diseases.

Histone deacetylase 9 inhibition upregulates microRNA-92a to repress the progression of intracranial aneurysm via silencing Bcl-2-like protein 11

OBJECTIVE

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been revealed to be involved in cerebrovascular diseases, while the role of HDAC9 in intracranial aneurysm (IA) remains seldom studied. We aim to explore the role of the HDAC9/microRNA-92a (miR-92a)/Bcl-2-like protein 11 (BCL2L11) axis in IA progression.

METHODS

Expression of HDAC9, miR-92a and BCL2L11 in IA tissues was assessed. IA rat models were established by ligation of left renal artery and common carotid artery, and the rats were respectively injected with relative plasmid vectors and/or oligonucleotides. The blood pressure was measured to estimate the IA degree, and the pathological changes were observed. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was detected, and the levels of inflammatory factors were evaluated. Expression of apoptosis-related proteins, HDAC9, miR-92a and BCL2L11 was assessed.

RESULTS

HDAC9 and BCL2L11 were upregulated while miR-92a was downregulated in IA clinical samples and rat models. HDAC9 inhibition or miR-92a elevation improved pathological changes and repressed apoptosis and expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF and inflammatory factors in vascular tissues from IA rats. Oppositely, HDAC9 overexpression or miR-92a reduction had contrary effects. miR-92a downregulation reversed the effect of silenced HDAC9 on IA rats.

CONCLUSION

HDAC9 inhibition upregulates miR-92a to repress the progression of IA via silencing BCL2L11.

Recent advances in the regulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1 by lncRNAs

Coronary heart disease (CHD) with atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death worldwide. ABCA1 and ABCG1 promote cholesterol efflux to suppress foam cell generation and reduce atherosclerosis development. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as a unique group of RNA transcripts that longer than 200 nucleotides and have no protein-coding potential. Many studies have found that lncRNAs regulate cholesterol efflux to influence atherosclerosis development. ABCA1 is regulated by different lncRNAs, including MeXis, GAS5, TUG1, MEG3, MALAT1, Lnc-HC, RP5-833A20.1, LOXL1-AS1, CHROME, DAPK1-IT1, SIRT1 AS lncRNA, DYNLRB2-2, DANCR, LeXis, LOC286367, and LncOR13C9. ABCG1 is also regulated by different lncRNAs, including TUG1, GAS5, RP5-833A20.1, DYNLRB2-2, ENST00000602558.1, and AC096664.3. Thus, various lncRNAs are associated with the roles of ABCA1 and ABCG1 on cholesterol efflux in atherosclerosis regulation. However, some lncRNAs play dual roles in ABCA1 expression and atherosclerosis, and the functions of some lncRNAs in atherosclerosis have not been investigated in vivo. In this article, we review the roles of lncRNAs in atherosclerosis and focus on new insights into lncRNAs associated with the roles of ABCA1 and ABCG1 on cholesterol efflux and the potential of these lncRNAs as novel therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis.

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 participates in the process of atherosclerosis by modulating microRNA-139-5p methylation and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 expression

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main cause of coronary heart disease, in which enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has been implied to participate in this process. Thus, this work proposed to explore the effect of EZH2 on AS from microRNA-139-5p (miR-139-5p)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) axis. EZH2, miR-139-5p, and STAT1 expression in arterial tissues of AS patients were detected. Human arterial smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) induced with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and the mice fed with high fat diet were treated with silenced EZH2 or upregulated miR-139-5p to explore their roles in proliferation and apoptosis of HASMCs, together with inflammation response and oxidative stress of mice. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiment was applied to verify the regulatory effect of EZH2 on miR-139-5p through methylation of H3K27me3. The targeting relationship between miR-139-5p and STAT1 was verified by online website and luciferase activity assay. Reduced miR-139-5p and overexpressed EHZ2 and STAT1 were found in AS. Silenced EZH2 or elevated miR-139-5p decreased the production of cholesterol and inhibited inflammation reaction in serum of mice with AS. Silenced EZH2 or elevated miR-139-5p facilitated proliferation and restrained apoptosis of ox-LDL-treated HASMCs, and restrained oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in arterial tissues of AS mice. EZH2 regulated miR-139-5p through H3K27me3, and miR-139-5p targeted STAT1. miR-139-5p silencing antagonized the effects of EZH2 down-regulation on AS. This study manifests that down-regulated EZH2 or elevated miR-139-5p inhibits ox-LDL-induced HASMCs apoptosis, plaque formation, and inflammatory response in AS mice, which may be related to down-regulated STAT1.

Functioning of Long Noncoding RNAs Expressed in Macrophage in the Development of Atherosclerosis

Chronic inflammation is part of the pathological process during atherosclerosis (AS). Due to the abundance of monocytes/macrophages within the arterial plaque, monocytes/macrophages have become a critical cellular target in AS studies. In recent decades, a number of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to exert regulatory roles on the macrophage metabolism and macrophage plasticity, consequently promoting or suppressing atherosclerotic inflammation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of lncRNAs in macrophage biology, highlighting the potential role of lncRNAs in AS based on recent findings, with the aim to identify disease biomarkers and future therapeutic interventions for AS.

Long Non-Coding RNA Associated with Cholesterol Homeostasis and Its Involvement in Metabolic Diseases

Cholesterol is an essential cell component that functions to create and maintain all kinds of cell membranes and lipoprotein particles. It is crucial to maintain the proper amount of cholesterol at both the cellular and systemic level. Recently, the importance of cholesterol has been reported not only in various cell development processes but also in the development of diseases. Furthermore, the involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are regarded as important epigenetic regulators in gene expression, has also been reported in cholesterol homeostasis. It is thus necessary to summarize the research on lncRNAs related to cholesterol with increased interest. This review organized the role of lncRNAs according to the major issues in cholesterol homeostasis: efflux, metabolism and synthesis, and disease process.

LncRNA TUG1 regulates ApoM to promote atherosclerosis progression through miR-92a/FXR1 axis

This study aims to explore the possible mechanism of TUG1 regulating ApoM in AS. To this end, expression levels of TUG1 and ApoM were measured in high fat dieted C57BL/6J mice, normal dieted C57BL/6J mice, ob/ob mice and db/db mice. LV‐TUG1 or sh‐TUG1 was injected into C57BL/6J mice before isolating peritoneal macrophages to measure cholesterol efflux (CE) and expression levels of ABCA1, ABCG1 and SR‐BI. Meanwhile, CE in RAW264.7 cells was also measured after cell transfection. Dual luciferase reporter assay and anti‐AGO2 RIP were applied to verify the relationship among TUG1, FXR1 and miR‐92a. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterin (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) as well as expressions of inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6) in plasma were measured. Knock‐down or expressed TUG1, FXR1 or miR‐92a in NCTC 1469 cells or in ApoE−/− AS mice to determine the alteration on ApoM and plaque size. TUG1 was highly expressed while ApoM was down‐regulated in high fat dieted C57BL/6J mice, b/ob and db/db mice. Overexpression of TUG1 could reduce the expression of ApoM, ABCA1 and ABCG1 in addition to slowing down CE rate. Reversed expression pattern was found in cells with knock‐down of TUG1. TUG1 can compete with FXR1 to bind miR‐92a. FXR1 negatively target ApoM. Overexpression of TUG1 in ApoE−/− mice can increase plaque size and enhance macrophage contents accordingly. TUG1 can inhibit ApoM in both liver tissues and plasma to inhibit CE through regulating miR‐92a/ FXR1 axis. TUG1 is a promising target for AS treatment.