Mechanisms of Action of MiRNAs and LncRNAs in Extracellular Vesicle in Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Atherosclerosis, a complex chronic inflammatory disease, involves multiple alterations of diverse cells, including endothelial cells (ECs), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), platelets, and even mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Globally, it is a common cause of morbidity as well as mortality. It leads to myocardial infarctions, stroke and disabling peripheral artery disease. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous group of cell-derived membranous structures that secreted by multiple cell types and play a central role in cell-to-cell communication by delivering various bioactive cargos, especially microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Emerging evidence demonstrated that miRNAs and lncRNAs in EVs are tightly associated with the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. In this review, we will outline and compile the cumulative roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs encapsulated in EVs derived from diverse cells in the progression of atherosclerosis. We also discuss intercellular communications via EVs. In addition, we focused on clinical applications and evaluation of miRNAs and lncRNAs in EVs as potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.

miRNA Regulatory Networks Associated with Peripheral Vascular Diseases

“…The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms regulating the pathological conditions responsible for the development of diseases could provide valuable information that could be useful in developing new methods for the management of these diseases. Many recent studies have shown that miRNAs are promising targets for the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions, including LEAD [ 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ], AAA [ 28 , 55 , 56 , 57 ], and CVD [ 58 , 59 ]. In particular, many investigations were carried out to evaluate the utility of proangiogenic properties of miRNAs in the therapy of peripheral atherosclerosis [ 52 ].…”

Nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular aging and related diseases

“… 131 EVs are secreted by almost all cell types and contain various cargos, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. 134 Expressions of CD47 on EV membranes offer immune evasion abilities. EVs play vital roles in vascular aging and related diseases.…”

Immune Modulation Using Extracellular Vesicles Encapsulated with MicroRNAs as Novel Drug Delivery Systems

“…Cells secrete various protein factors, such as growth factors and cytokines, in response to external stimuli and transduce molecular signals to target cells themselves, locally or throughout the body. In addition to these humoral factors, vesicles comprising biological membranes of phospholipid bilayers (hereinafter referred to as membrane vesicles) are secreted regardless of cell types, such as hematopoietic cells (i.e., platelets, B cells, T cells, dendritic cells, mast cells) and non-hematopoietic cells (i.e., small intestinal epithelial cells, cancer cells, Schwann cells, nerve cells, fat gland cells, sperm, and mammary epithelial cells) [ 31 , 32 , 33 ]. Specific proteins exist on or in the membranes of membrane vesicles.…”