Small RNA overcomes the challenges of therapeutic targeting of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein

Circ Res. 2013 Nov 8;113(11):1189-91. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.113.302732.

Abstract

The plasma level of apolipoprotein B (apoB) is among the strongest risk factors for coronary artery disease. Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) plays a key role in the lipidation of nascent apoB and the secretion of apoB-containing lipoproteins enriched with triglycerides and is thus a promising target for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Yet, the development of MTP inhibitors to lower plasma lipid concentrations has been hindered by adverse effects on hepatic steatosis. A study recently published in Nature Medicine identifies microRNA-30c (miR-30c) as a potent repressor of MTP that controls plasma apoB-containing lipoprotein levels, in addition to decreasing hepatic lipid synthesis through direct targeting of lysophosphatidylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (LPGAT1). These findings identify miR-30c as a novel therapeutic target that coordinately reduces lipid biosynthesis and lipoprotein secretion to suppress circulating apoB lipoproteins, while sparing the liver from steatosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atherosclerosis / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipidemias / metabolism*
  • Lipogenesis / genetics*
  • Lipoproteins / metabolism*
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*

Substances

  • Lipoproteins
  • MicroRNAs