MicroRNA-30a-5p-Mediated Autophagy Regulates Formation of Foam Cells from THP-1-derived Macrophages

Abstract

MicroRNAs are widely considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Whereas the importance of miR-30a-5p as a tumor growth-promoting factor has been extensively studied, the relationship between this particular microRNA and atherosclerosis remains to be clarified. In this study, the role of miR-30a-5p in the formation of foam cells from THP-1-derived macrophages was investigated. It was found that miR-30a-5p could robustly regulate the pathological process of atherosclerosis by inhibiting autophagy and increasing the accumulation of lipids, the expression of inflammatory factors, and the apoptosis of macrophages. These results provide guidance for future assessments of the progression of atherosclerosis and for the development of intervention targets for the treatment of this disease.