RNA Damage in Human Atherosclerosis: Pathophysiological Significance and Implications for Gene Expression Studies

Abstract

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 summerize 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.