Spotlight on HOX cluster-embedded antisense lncRNAs in cardiovascular diseases (Review)

Atherosclerosis is a complex and chronic inflammatory disease driven by multiple pathophysiological processes that are responsible for diverse cardiovascular events. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, despite substantial triumphs in primary and secondary prevention, remains a dominant epidemic that impairs human health. Therefore, deciphering the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis will provide a real-world translational understanding. Homeobox cluster-embedded antisense long non-coding RNAs (HOX-lncRNAs), a nascent class of lncRNA molecules with versatile roles in cancer, can also orchestrate various cell functions in cardiovascular disorders and have thus captured the attention of many researchers. Subsequently, numerous studies have demonstrated the role of HOX-lncRNAs as potential modulators of atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, given that the understanding of HOX-lncRNAs in atherosclerosis is only just emerging, ongoing research must be initiated to thoroughly pinpoint such causal roles. The present review aimed to highlight the important contributions of HOX-lncRNAs to atherosclerosis and other pivotal biological processes related to cardiovascular disease. The review concludes with a discussion of the limitations, outlook, challenges and possible solutions associated with HOX-lncRNAs in atherosclerosis. Looking forward, this may lead to extraordinary breakthroughs in revealing the molecular underpinnings of HOX-lncRNAs and may offer a promising yet challenging landscape for robust therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis and/or associated cardiovascular disorders.