MicroRNA and host gene play key role in regulating cholesterol pathways
Friday, May 14, 2010 - 08:01
in Health & Medicine
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers have identified tiny segments of RNA that may play an important role in the body's regulation of cholesterol and lipids. Their study found that the miR-33 family of microRNAs suppress a protein known to be important for generation of HDL - the 'good cholesterol' that transports lipids to the liver for disposal - and for the removal of cholesterol from peripheral tissues, including cells that form atherosclerotic plaques. The findings - which will appear in Science and are receiving early online publication - suggest that the miR-33-mediated pathway could be a new treatment target for cardiovascular diseases...