# microRNAs in vascular diseases

> **NIH NIH R01** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $421,279

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The implications of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cardiovascular disease have recently been
recognized, representing the most rapidly evolving research field. Atherosclerosis, major cause of
CVD, is a chronic disease characterized by lipid retention and vascular inflammation. Macrophages
are recognized to have a unique impact on the disease progression. Within the atherosclerotic
plaque macrophages respond to a large number of signals, which promote complex changes in
gene transcription as well as post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of control of gene
expression. Important players of the post-transcriptional regulatory network are the small non-
coding RNAs, microRNAs, which have a demonstrated role in the control of transcriptional
networks in macrophages. miR-21 is the most abundant miRNA in macrophages accounting for
42% of total miRNA content. However its role in regulating macrophage functions during
atherogenesis remains unexplored. Intriguingly, miRNAs can be transferred from cell to cell by
exosomes, thus facilitating the exchange of information among cells. In the context of
atherosclerosis the effect of miR-21 has not been explored in light of their possible delivery, via
exosomes to vascular cells such as endothelial cells (ECs) or vascular smooth muscle cells
(VSMCs). Collectively, this work will define the mechanisms by which miR-21 regulates
atherogenesis, will determine the paracellular actions of macrophage miR-21 in vivo on ECs or
VSMCs within atherosclerotic plaques and shed insights into miR-21 role as potential therapeutic
target for atherosclerosis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9834960
- **Project number:** 5R01HL105945-09
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Yajaira Suarez
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $421,279
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2011-08-01 → 2021-01-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9834960

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9834960, microRNAs in vascular diseases (5R01HL105945-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9834960. Licensed CC0.

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