Macrophage miR-34a Is a Key Regulator of Cholesterol Efflux and Atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT: Macrophages play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, but the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we show that microRNA-34a (miR-34a) is a key regulator of macrophage cholesterol efflux and reverse cholesterol transport by modulating ATP-binding cassette transporters ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1) and ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 1 (ABCG1). miR-34a also regulates M1 and M2 macrophage polarization via liver X receptor α. Furthermore, global loss of miR-34a reduces intestinal cholesterol or fat absorption by inhibiting cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP7A1 and sterol 12α-hydroxylase (CYP8B1). Consistent with these findings, macrophage-selective or global ablation of miR-34a markedly inhibits the development of atherosclerosis. Finally,

SUBMITTER: Xu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6952168 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature