The miR-378c-Samd1 circuit promotes phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells and foam cells formation in atherosclerosis lesions.

ABSTRACT: MicroRNAs have emerged as key regulators in vascular diseases and are involved in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. However, the atherosclerotic-specific MicroRNAs and their functional roles in atherosclerosis are unclear. Here, we report that miR-378c protects against atherosclerosis by directly targeting Sterile Alpha Motif Domain Containing 1 (Samd1), a predicted transcriptional repressor. miR-378c was strikingly reduced in atherosclerotic plaques and blood of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients relative to healthy controls. Suppression of miR-378c promoted vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) phenotypic transition during atherosclerosis. We also reported for the first time that Samd1 prolonged immobilization of LDL on the VSMCs, thus facilitated LDL oxidation and subsequentl

SUBMITTER: Tian S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8131603 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature