Open AccessExpression profiles and potential roles of transfer RNA‐derived small RNAs in atherosclerosis
Author(s) -
He Xiangqin,
Yang Yanyan,
Wang Qi,
Wang Jueru,
Li Shifang,
Li Chunrong,
Zong Tingyu,
Li Xiaolu,
Zhang Ying,
Zou Yulin,
Yu Tao
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/jcmm.16719
Subject(s) - biology , pathogenesis , rna , cell adhesion , microbiology and biotechnology , small rna , microrna , phenotype , computational biology , cell , gene , genetics , immunology
Abstract Knowledge regarding the relationship between the molecular mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis (AS) and transfer RNA‐derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) is limited. This study illustrated the expression profile of tsRNAs, thus exploring its roles in AS pathogenesis. Small RNA sequencing was performed with four atherosclerotic arterial and four healthy subject samples. Using bioinformatics, the protein‐protein interaction network and cellular experiments were constructed to predict the enriched signalling pathways and regulatory roles of tsRNAs in AS. Of the total 315 tsRNAs identified to be dysregulated in the AS group, 131 and 184 were up‐regulated and down‐regulated, respectively. Interestingly, the pathway of the differentiated expression of tsRNAs in cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) was implicated to be closely associated with AS. Particularly, tRF‐Gly‐GCC might participate in AS pathogenesis via regulating cell adhesion, proliferation, migration and phenotypic transformation in HUVECs and VSMCs. In conclusion, tsRNAs might help understand the molecular mechanisms of AS better. tRF‐Gly‐GCC may be a promising target for suppressing abnormal vessels functions, suggesting a novel strategy for preventing the progression of atherosclerosis.