Small RNA Overcomes the Challenges of Therapeutic Targeting of Microsomal Triglyceride Transfer Protein

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.