Fusobacterium nucleatum exacerbates atherosclerosis progression via ceRNA network-mediated epigenetic reprogramming
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), a key periodontal pathogen, is increasingly detected in atherosclerotic plaques, yet its epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in atherosclerosis remain enigmatic. This study investigates how F. nucleatum reshapes the non-coding RNA landscape to drive atherosclerosis progression. Periodontal infection with F. nucleatum significantly increased atherosclerotic lesion area ( p < 0.001) and necrotic core ratio, while reducing collagen content ( p < 0.05) in ApoE −/− mice. Whole transcriptome sequencing of arterial tissues identified 847 differentially expressed mRNAs, 16 miRNAs, 19 circRNAs, and 76 lncRNAs linked to lipid metabolism and plaque instability. Focusing on atherosclerosis-associated signaling pathways, we constructed a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network in F. nucleatum -infected ApoE −/− mice. Notably, we highlighted two key regulatory axes: (circRNA5047/lncRNA Ext1)-miR-18a-3p-Cflar-Autophagy and (circRNA5047/lncRNA Ext1)-miR-669f-3p-Itpr1-Autophagy . These findings provide novel insights into the role of F. nucleatum in atherosclerosis and establish a foundation for further investigation into its underlying mechanisms. • Periodontitis-derived F. nucleatum invades aorta, exacerbating plaque area and instability. • F. nucleatum mediates ceRNA network that regulates epigenetic reprogramming, thereby accelerating atherosclerotic progression. • This study reveals a novel mechanism linking periodontal pathogens to cardiovascular disease, identifying two key regulatory autophagy axes.
Source: Genomics
Authors: Keyi Zhang, Lin Liu, Peiyao Wu, Lei Zhao, Jieyu Zhou, Yafei Wu
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,980
Awards: G2953590773, G533736599, G7465576447
OpenAlex ID: W7117310640