Functional regulatory roles of microRNAs in atherosclerosis

MicroRNAs are a group of endogenously small non-coding RNA molecules that downregulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level through binding to the 3′UTR of target mRNAs. Recent findings have revealed a key role for microRNAs in the pathophysiological processes of atherosclerosis. As a complex disease, atherosclerosis is influenced by a combination of multiple genes and environmental factors. Both of them play a role in atherogenesis by affecting different types of cells (such as endothelial cell, vascular smooth muscle cell and monocyte/macrophage) function. MicroRNAs control the senescence and dysfunction of endothelial cells, proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, and macrophage-driven cytokine production and polarization. By these effects, microRNAs can influence the processes of atherosclerosis and may represent new molecular targets for therapy.