Investigate the role of a novel long non-coding RNA in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K16107
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 53020:Cardiology-related
• Research Institution: Nagasaki University
• Principal Investigator: WU CHIA-HSIEN 長崎大学, 医歯薬学総合研究科(医学系), 助教 (10908528)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 動脈硬化 / 血管内皮健常性 / 長鎖ノンコーディングRNA

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we investigated whether and how a novel long non-coding RNA (LncX) is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We generated LncX knockout mice using the CRISPR-Cas9 system and found that the knockout of LncX attenuated atherosclerotic plaque size. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis revealed that the knockdown of LncX maintained endothelial cell quiescence in the S-phase by regulating DNA synthesis-related genes. Since cell quiescence is an important characteristic of functional endothelial cells, LncX may be a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerosis targeting endothelial dysfunction.

Free Research Field

循環器内科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

虚血性心疾患をはじめとする動脈硬化性疾患は、世界的に長年にわたり死亡原因の１位となっており、動脈硬化の克服は喫緊の課題である。スタチンを始めとする脂質を標的にした治療法は動脈硬化の軽減に非常に有効であるが、動脈硬化性疾患の克服には未だ不十分であり、さらなる治療法の開発が望まれている。本研究成果は内皮細胞健常性に焦点をあて、動脈硬化の成因と治療法に新な見解を与えることができたと考える。