microRNA-125b-1-3p mediates autophagy via the RRAGD/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway and mitigates atherosclerosis progression

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111136
• Publication Date: 2024-03-11T08:49:39Z
• Authors: Xin Chen; Yanhong Cao; Yining Guo; Jing Liu; Xiaohan Ye; Huan Li; Lu Zhang; Wenwei Feng; Shaoxiang Xian; Zhongqi Yang; Lingjun Wang; Ting Wang
• Keywords: ULK1; Foam cell

Atherosclerosis is characterised by lipid accumulation and formation of foam cells in arterial walls. Dysregulated autophagy a crucial factor atherosclerosis development. The significance microRNA (miR)-125b-1-3p cardiovascular disease well-established; however, its precise role regulating impact on vascular smooth muscle (VSMCs) remain unclear. Here, we observed reduced autophagic activity decreased miR-125b expression during progression. miR-125b-1-3p overexpression significantly atherosclerotic plaque development mice; it also led to uptake deposition VSMCs, enhanced autophagy, suppression cell phenotypic changes in-vitro. An interaction between the RRAGD/mTOR/ULK1 pathway was revealed, elucidating promoting autophagy. Therefore, plays pivotal enhancing processes, inhibiting VSMCs mitigating progression, partly through signaling axis modulation. Thus, promising target for preventive therapeutic strategies atherosclerosis.