Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Transfer of MicroRNAs in Atherosclerosis

摘要

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the most well-characterized class of small (-22 nucleotides) non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) responsible for post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression through their interaction with messenger RNAs (mRNAs). miRNAs are present in membrane-bound vesicles, such as exosomes, in extracellular human body fluids. Because miRNAs circulate in the bloodstream in highly stable extracellular forms, they have great potential as the next generation of blood-based biomarkers. Exosomal miRNA transfer is very important in cardiovascular systems and disease. Moreover, in the blood vessels, this transfer can modulate atherosclerosis. In this review, we describe our current knowledge of extracellular vesicle-mediated transfer of miRNAs in atherosclerosis.