MicroRNAs and Noncoding RNAs in Hepatic Lipid and Lipoprotein Metabolism: Potential Therapeutic Targets of Metabolic Disorders

Preclinical Research Noncoding RNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) represent an important class of regulatory molecules that modulate gene expression. The role of miRNAs in diverse cellular processes such as cancer, apoptosis, cell differentiation, cardiac remodeling, and inflammation has been intensively explored. Recent studies further demonstrated the important roles of miRNAs and noncoding RNAs in modulating a broad spectrum of genes involved in lipid synthesis and metabolic pathways. This overview focuses on the role of miRNAs in hepatic lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and their potential as therapeutic targets for metabolic syndrome. This includes recent advances made in the understanding of their target pathways and the clinical development of miRNAs in lipid metabolic disorders. Drug Dev Res 76: 318-327, 2015.