MicroRNA-144 Silencing Protects Against Atherosclerosis in Male, but Not Female Mice.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death in developed countries. MicroRNAs act as fine-tuners of gene expression and have been shown to have important roles in the pathophysiology and progression of atherosclerosis. We, and others, previously demonstrated that microRNA-144 (miR-144) functions to post-transcriptionally regulate ABCA1 (ATP binding cassette transporter A1) and plasma HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels. Here, we explore how miR-144 inhibition may protect against atherosclerosis. Approach and Results: We demonstrate that miR-144 silencing reduced atherosclerosis in male, but not female low-density lipoprotein receptor null (Ldlr^-/-) mice. MiR-144 antagonism increased circulating HDL cholesterol levels, remodeled the HDL part

SUBMITTER: Cheng J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7018399 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature