Researchers have identified a novel microRNA (miRNA) regulatory module that connects a popular vitamin-like supplement, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), to ATP-cassette transport G1 (ABCG1)-mediated macrophage cholesterol efflux. CoQ10 was found to inhibit the expression of c-Jun, and thus the activity of the AP-1 complex, which was determined to be a transcriptional activator of miR-378. miR-378 directly targets ABCG1 and loss of miR-378 suppression resulted in increased cholesterol efflux and atheroprotection in mice. Here we discuss the merits of a recent study by Wang, D et al., and place their acute observations in the current landscape of miRNA regulation of cholesterol efflux and atherosclerosis.
Keywords: CoQ 10; high-density lipoproteins; microRNA.