Macrophage miR-34a Is a Key Regulator of Cholesterol Efflux and Atherosclerosis

Macrophage miR-34a Is a Key Regulator of Cholesterol Efflux and Atherosclerosis

Xu Yanyong; Xu Yang; Zhu Yingdong; Sun Huihui; Juguilon Cody; Li Feng; Fan Daping; Yin Liya; Zhang Yanqiao

Molecular Therapy

2019

2019-01-01

Macrophages play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, but the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we show that microRNA-34a (miR-34a) is a key regulator of macrophage cholesterol efflux and reverse cholesterol transport by modulating ATP-binding cassette transporters ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1) and ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 1 (ABCG1). miR-34a also regulates M1 and M2 macrophage polarization via liver X receptor α. Furthermore, global loss of miR-34a reduces intestinal cholesterol or fat absorption by inhibiting cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP7A1 and sterol 12α-hydroxylase (CYP8B1). Consistent with these findings, macrophage-selective or global ablation of miR-34a markedly inhibits the development of atherosclerosis. Finally, therapeutic inhibition of miR-34a promotes atherosclerosis regression and reverses diet-induced metabolic disorders. Our studies outline a central role of miR-34a in regulating macrophage cholesterol efflux, inflammation, and atherosclerosis, suggesting that miR-34a is a promising target for treatment of cardiometabolic diseases.

atherosclerosis; inflammation; cholesterol efflux; ABCA1; ABCG1; LXR; miR-34a

Journal Article

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1525-0016