RNA damage in human atherosclerosis: pathophysiological significance and implications for gene expression studies.
RNA damage is a poorly examined field in biomedical research. Potential triggers of RNA damage as well as its pathophysiological implications remain largely unknown. Here we summarize recent evidence that loss of RNA integrity and 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2'-guanosine (8-oxoG) oxidative RNA modifications frequently occur in advanced human atherosclerotic plaques. At least two features of advanced human plaques, namely oxidative stress and intraplaque hemorrhage followed by iron deposition, may be involved in the process of RNA degradation. Although speculative, RNA damage may lead to destabilization and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques by interfering with protein synthesis and stimulation of cell death. Moreover, RNA damage may affect in vitro transcript quantification, thereby influencing data from gene expression studies.
Martinet
Wim
W
Division of Pharmacology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium. wim.martinet@ua.ac.be
De Meyer
Guido R Y
GR
Herman
Arnold G
AG
Kockx
Mark M
MM
D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology; D001158:Arteries / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005296:Ferrous Compounds / Q000378:metabolism; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D012313:RNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; D020871:RNA Stability; D011817:Rabbits; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism
D005296:Ferrous Compounds; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D012313:RNA