Nonhematopoietic MicroRNA-26b −/− Augments Atherosclerosis Development by Increasing Endothelial Inflammation and Leukocyte Adhesion—Brief Report
Year: 2025
Type: article
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.
Institutions: Institut für Prophylaxe und Epidemiologie der Kreislaufkrankheiten, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Maastricht University Medical Centre, German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Universitätsklinikum Aachen, DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University, Maastricht University, Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, University of Bern, University Hospital of Bern
Language: English
Subfield: Cancer Research
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7117552302