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. •Major cells in atherosclerosis plaque are regulated by microRNAs.•MicroRNAs can influence the processes of atherosclerosis.•MicroRNAs may represent new molecular targets for atherosclerosis prevention and therapy.