Purpose of review: The objective of this review article is to summarize the recent findings about the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating lipoprotein metabolism. We highlight the recent findings that uncover the importance of miRNAs in controlling plasma LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.
Recent findings: In 2013, several studies reported a number of miRNAs that regulate plasma LDL-C levels, including miR-30c. In this review article, we discuss those miRNAs that modulate LDL-C levels and lipoprotein secretion. We also discuss the numerous studies that demonstrate the critical role of miRNAs in governing the many facets of HDL metabolism, such as the ATP transporters, ABCA1, and ABCG1, and the scavenger receptor, SRB1.
Summary: The understanding of how these miRNAs modulate lipoprotein metabolism promises to reveal new therapeutic targets to treat dyslipidemias and related cardiovascular disorders.