MicroRNA-30c reduces hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis by decreasing lipid synthesis and lipoprotein secretion

Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for various cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Overproduction of lipoproteins, a process critically dependent on microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), can contribute to hyperlipidemia. We show that microRNA-30c (miR-30c) interacts with the 3′-untranslated region of the MTP mRNA and induces degradation leading to reductions in its activity and media apolipoprotein B. Further, miR-30c reduces hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in Western diet fed mice by decreasing lipid synthesis and secretion of triglyceride-rich apoB-containing lipoproteins. Therefore, miR-30c coordinately reduces lipid biosynthesis and lipoprotein secretion to control hepatic and plasma lipids and might be useful in treating hyperlipidemias and associated disorders.