Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2025 Dec 30. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.125.323888. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, and microRNA-26b (miR-26b) has emerged as a significant regulator in its development. This study investigates the role of nonhematopoietic miR-26b in atherosclerosis.
METHODS: To study the specific role of nonhematopoietic cell miR-26b in atherosclerosis development, we used a reverse bone marrow transplantation model combined with 12-week Western-type diet feeding.
RESULTS: Nonhematopoietic-specific miR-26b deficiency exacerbated atherosclerosis, characterized by larger plaques with increased collagen and necrotic core content. Enhanced VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1) expression correlated with elevated leukocyte adhesion in ex vivo perfusion studies. Restoration of miR-26b levels in human coronary artery endothelial cells reduced inflammatory responses and leukocyte adhesion.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight that nonhematopoietic miR-26b plays a protective role in atherosclerosis by modulating endothelial cell function, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for miR-26b mimics in cardiovascular disease management.
PMID:41467351 | DOI:10.1161/ATVBAHA.125.323888