The implications of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cardiovascular disease have recently been recognized, representing the most rapidly evolving research field. Atherosclerosis, major cause of CVD, is a chronic disease characterized by lipid retention and vascular inflammation. Macrophages are recognized to have a unique impact on the disease progression. Within the atherosclerotic plaque macrophages respond to a large number of signals, which promote complex changes in gene transcription as well as post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of control of gene expression. Important players of the post-transcriptional regulatory network are the small non- coding RNAs, microRNAs, which have a demonstrated role in the control of transcriptional networks in macrophages. miR-21 is the most abundant miRNA in macrophages accounting for 42% of total miRNA content. However its role in regulating macrophage functions during atherogenesis remains unexplored. Intriguingly, miRNAs can be transferred from cell to cell by exosomes, thus facilitating the exchange of information among cells. In the context of atherosclerosis the effect of miR-21 has not been explored in light of their possible delivery, via exosomes to vascular cells such as endothelial cells (ECs) or vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Collectively, this work will define the mechanisms by which miR-21 regulates atherogenesis, will determine the paracellular actions of macrophage miR-21 in vivo on ECs or VSMCs within atherosclerotic plaques and shed insights into miR-21 role as potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.

Public Health Relevance

The proposal main goal is to investigate the contribution miRNA-21 in the regulation atherosclerosis. The proposal will additionally investigate potential role of the transfer of this miRNA in regulating gene expression and functions of different vascular cells including endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells during the progression of atherosclerosis. This work will provide critical insight into fundamental regulatory mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01HL105945-07A1
Application #
9448646
Study Section
Vascular Cell and Molecular Biology Study Section (VCMB)
Program Officer
Olive, Michelle
Project Start
2011-08-01
Project End
2021-11-30
Budget Start
2017-12-22
Budget End
2018-11-30
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
2018
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Yale University
Department
Veterinary Sciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
043207562
City
New Haven
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
Price, Nathan L; Singh, Abhishek K; Rotllan, Noemi et al. (2018) Genetic Ablation of miR-33 Increases Food Intake, Enhances Adipose Tissue Expansion, and Promotes Obesity and Insulin Resistance. Cell Rep 22:2133-2145
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Barwari, Temo; Eminaga, Seda; Mayr, Ursula et al. (2018) Inhibition of profibrotic microRNA-21 affects platelets and their releasate. JCI Insight 3:
Fernández-Hernando, Carlos; Suárez, Yajaira (2018) MicroRNAs in endothelial cell homeostasis and vascular disease. Curr Opin Hematol 25:227-236
Price, Nathan L; Rotllan, Noemi; Canfrán-Duque, Alberto et al. (2017) Genetic Dissection of the Impact of miR-33a and miR-33b during the Progression of Atherosclerosis. Cell Rep 21:1317-1330
Canfrán-Duque, Alberto; Rotllan, Noemi; Zhang, Xinbo et al. (2017) Macrophage deficiency of miR-21 promotes apoptosis, plaque necrosis, and vascular inflammation during atherogenesis. EMBO Mol Med 9:1244-1262
Araldi, Elisa; Fernández-Fuertes, Marta; Canfrán-Duque, Alberto et al. (2017) Lanosterol Modulates TLR4-Mediated Innate Immune Responses in Macrophages. Cell Rep 19:2743-2755
Pauta, Montse; Rotllan, Noemi; Fernández-Hernando, Ana et al. (2016) Akt-mediated foxo1 inhibition is required for liver regeneration. Hepatology 63:1660-74

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