Does plasma membrane lipid composition impact the miRNA-mediated regulation of vascular inflammation?. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schumann, Julia
• Is Part Of: Medical hypotheses. Volume 88(2016)
• Page Start: 57
• Page End: 59
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: mRNA messenger ribonucleic acid -- miRNA micro ribonucleic acid -- NFκB nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells -- PUFA polyunsaturated fatty acid(s) -- TLR/IL-1 Toll-like receptor/interleukin 1; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2016.01.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-9877

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Both PUFA and miRNAs are believed to be of importance in vascular diseases. On the one hand diverse nutrition societies recommend PUFA consumption to dampen inflammatory processes. On the other hand scientists intensify efforts to use miRNAs for diagnostics or therapy in context of vascular disorders. Presentation of the hypothesis: There might be is a causal link between the plasma membrane lipid composition and the miRNA expression of monocytes and endothelial cells. PUFA enrichment of cells may affect the type and the amount of particular miRNAs produced. In this way dietary fatty acids are supposed to impact the miRNA-mediated regulation of vascular inflammatory processes. Proposed experimental setting to test the hypothesis: PUFA-supplemented monocytes and endothelial cells are analyzed with respect to membrane fatty acid patterns, typical markers of vascular inflammation and miRNA expression. Experiments are performed both for undifferentiated/unstimulated as well as for differentiated/stimulated cells. Verification of identified miRNA targets is performed by means of mimics/antagomirs. Implications of the hypothesis: Innovative mechanism of action, which could point the way to a new understanding of the PUFA-mediated modulation of cellular signal transduction. If confirmed experimentally, it might stimulate vascular inflammation research and immunologic lipid science, hence, acting as source of inspiration for future therapeutic interventions in vascular diseases.