LncRNAs as Regulators of Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability

Long Non-Coding RNA Function in Smooth Muscle Cell Plasticity and Atherosclerosis

In the healthy mature artery, vascular cells, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and fibroblasts are organized in different layers, performing specific functions. SMCs located in the media are in a differentiated state and exhibit a contractile phenotype. However, in response to vascular injury within the intima, stimuli from activated endothelial cells and recruited inflammatory cells reach SMCs and induce a series of remodeling events in them, known as phenotypic switching. Indeed, SMCs retain a certain degree of plasticity and are able to transdifferentiate into other cell types that are crucial for both the formation and development of atherosclerotic lesions. Because of their highly cell-specific expression profiles and their widely recognized contribution to physiological and disease-related biological processes, long non-coding RNAs have received increasing attention in atherosclerosis research. Dynamic fluctuations in their expression have been implicated in the regulation of SMC identity. Sophisticated technologies are now available to allow researchers to access single-cell transcriptomes and study long non-coding RNA function with unprecedented precision. Here, we discuss the state of the art of long non-coding RNAs regulation of SMC phenotypic switching, describing the methodologies used to approach this issue and evaluating the therapeutic perspectives of exploiting long non-coding RNAs as targets in atherosclerosis.

Progress on long non-coding RNAs in calcific aortic valve disease

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a common cardiovascular condition in the elderly population. The aortic valve, influenced by factors such as endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism disorders, calcium deposition, and extracellular matrix remodeling, undergoes fibrosis and calcification, ultimately leading to stenosis. In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as significant regulators of gene expression, playing crucial roles in the occurrence and progression of various diseases. Research has shown that lncRNAs participate in the pathological process underlying CAVD by regulating osteogenic differentiation and inflammatory response of valve interstitial cells. Specifically, lncRNAs, such as H19, MALAT1, and TUG1, are closely associated with CAVD. Some lncRNAs can act as miRNA sponges, form complex regulatory networks, and modulate the expression of calcification-related genes. In brief, this review discusses the mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets of lncRNAs in CAVD.

LINC01088 Targets miR-195-5p to Promote Proliferation and Migration and Reduce Apoptosis in the Inhibition of Carotid Artery Stenosis

Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) often goes undetected until it reaches an advanced stage, which can result in serious complications. The present study evaluated the potential of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LINC01088 as a biomarker for CAS. 92 CAS patients and 92 healthy controls (Control group) were included. RT-qPCR was performed to assess the relative levels of LINC01088 and miR-195-5p. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic potential of LINC01088. The relationship between LINC01088 and miR-195-5p was identified by luciferase reporter assay. Proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were assessed using CCK8, transwell, and flow cytometry assay. DAVID was employed for Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses. CAS patients showed decreased LINC01088 expression and increased miR-195-5p expression compared to Control, with a negative correlation between their expression levels in CAS. LINC01088 demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing CAS patients from healthy individuals. LINC01088 directly targets miR-195-5p. Upregulation of LINC01088 reversed the effects of ox-LDL treatment, restoring proliferation and migration while reducing apoptosis in HAECs. However, miR-195-5p mimic reduced the protection of LINC01088 on HAECs proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. For miR-195-5p target genes, GO revealed protein metabolism pathways and KEGG highlighted the p53 and MAPK signaling pathways. The present study revealed the diagnosis value of LINC01088. LINC01088 reversed ox-LDL-induced proliferation, apoptosis, and migration by acting as sponges of miR-195-5p in HAECs. LINC01088 may serve as a protective biomarker in CAS progression.

Targeting noncoding RNAs to treat atherosclerosis

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are pivotal for various pathological processes, impacting disease progression. The potential for leveraging ncRNAs to prevent or treat atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases is of great significance, especially given the increasing prevalence of atherosclerosis in an ageing and sedentary population. Together, these diseases impose a substantial socio-economic burden, demanding innovative therapeutic solutions. This review explores the potential of ncRNAs in atherosclerosis treatment. We commence by examining approaches for identifying and characterizing atherosclerosis-associated ncRNAs. We then delve into the functional aspects of ncRNAs in atherosclerosis development and progression. Additionally, we review current RNA and RNA-targeting molecules in development or under approval for clinical use, offering insights into their pharmacological potential. The importance of improved ncRNA delivery strategies is highlighted. Finally, we suggest avenues for advanced research to accelerate the use of ncRNAs in treating atherosclerosis and mitigating its societal impact. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Non-coding RNA Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v182.2/issuetoc.

Top Five Stories of the Cellular Landscape and Therapies of Atherosclerosis: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

Atherosclerosis (AS) is characterized by impairment and apoptosis of endothelial cells, continuous systemic and focal inflammation and dysfunction of vascular smooth muscle cells, which is documented as the traditional cellular paradigm. However, the mechanisms appear much more complicated than we thought since a bulk of studies on efferocytosis, transdifferentiation and novel cell death forms such as ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and extracellular trap were reported. Discovery of novel pathological cellular landscapes provides a large number of therapeutic targets. On the other side, the unsatisfactory therapeutic effects of current treatment with lipid-lowering drugs as the cornerstone also restricts the efforts to reduce global AS burden. Stem cell- or nanoparticle-based strategies spurred a lot of attention due to the attractive therapeutic effects and minimized adverse effects. Given the complexity of pathological changes of AS, attempts to develop an almighty medicine based on single mechanisms could be theoretically challenging. In this review, the top stories in the cellular landscapes during the initiation and progression of AS and the therapies were summarized in an integrated perspective to facilitate efforts to develop a multi-targets strategy and fill the gap between mechanism research and clinical translation. The future challenges and improvements were also discussed.