Abstract
Large artery stiffness (LAS) is a major, independent risk factor underlying cardiovascular disease that increases with aging. The emergence of microRNA signaling as a key regulator of vascular structure and function has stimulated interest in assessing its role in the pathophysiology of LAS. Identification of several microRNAs that display age-associated changes in expression in aorta has focused attention on defining their molecular targets and deciphering their role in age-associated arterial stiffening. Inactivation of the microRNA-degrading enzyme, translin/trax, which reverses the age-dependent decline in miR-181b, confers protection from aging-associated arterial stiffening, suggesting that inhibitors targeting this enzyme may have translational potential. As LAS poses a major public health challenge, we anticipate that future studies based on these advances will yield innovative strategies to combat aging-associated arterial stiffening.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 747789 |
Journal | Frontiers in Physiology |
Volume | 12 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 27 2021 |
Keywords
- aging
- arterial stiffness
- miR-181b
- microRNA degradation
- translin/trax
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Physiology (medical)