Research shows that microRNA-145, a tiny molecule in artery cells, protects against dangerous plaque buildup by blocking two harmful processes. When microRNA-145 levels are low, plaques grow much larger and can lead to heart attacks. A 2026 laboratory study found that blocking microRNA-145 in mice increased plaque volume and triggered excessive cellular cleanup processes, while restoring microRNA-145 had protective effects. This discovery could eventually lead to new heart disease treatments, though human testing has not yet begun.
According to Gram Research analysis, scientists discovered that a small molecule called microRNA-145 acts like a natural brake on dangerous plaque buildup in arteries. When this molecule is low, plaques grow faster and can lead to heart attacks. Researchers used mice and lab cells to show that boosting microRNA-145 levels could slow plaque growth by blocking two harmful processes: a growth signal called TGFβR-II and a cellular cleanup process called autophagy that goes wrong in artery disease. This finding could eventually lead to new treatments that prevent heart attacks by keeping arteries clear.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article found that microRNA-145 levels were significantly reduced in plaques with severe narrowing compared to healthy arteries, suggesting this molecule plays a protective role in preventing artery disease.
Laboratory research in 2026 demonstrated that blocking microRNA-145 in mice increased plaque volume and elevated autophagy markers, while directly blocking the TGFβR-II protein that microRNA-145 controls produced the same protective effects.
Transmission electron microscopy in the 2026 study revealed a greater abundance of autophagosomes (cellular structures involved in cleanup) in plaques from mice with reduced microRNA-145, showing that excessive cellular autophagy contributes to plaque growth.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a tiny molecule called microRNA-145 can slow the growth of dangerous plaque inside arteries that leads to heart attacks
- Who participated: Laboratory mice genetically prone to high cholesterol and artery disease, plus cells from blood vessel walls grown in dishes
- Key finding: Mice with lower microRNA-145 levels developed much larger plaques in their arteries, while blocking a protein called TGFβR-II mimicked the protective effects of having more microRNA-145
- What it means for you: This research is early-stage laboratory work. While it suggests microRNA-145 could become a target for new heart disease treatments, it has not yet been tested in humans. Talk to your doctor about proven ways to prevent plaque buildup, like exercise, healthy eating, and managing cholesterol.
The Research Details
Researchers used two main approaches to understand how microRNA-145 works. First, they studied mice that were genetically engineered to develop high cholesterol and artery plaque when fed a high-fat diet, similar to how some people develop heart disease. They compared mice with normal microRNA-145 levels to mice where this molecule was blocked using a special tool called antagomiR-145. Second, they grew cells from blood vessel walls in laboratory dishes and tested what happened when they reduced microRNA-145 or blocked the proteins it controls. This combination of whole-animal and cell-level studies helped them understand both what happens in real disease and the exact biological mechanisms involved.
Using both living mice and isolated cells is important because it shows whether a finding works in a realistic disease setting and also reveals the specific molecular steps involved. This two-level approach makes the results more trustworthy and helps scientists understand not just that something works, but how and why it works.
This study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, meaning other experts reviewed the work before publication. The researchers used established laboratory techniques like transmission electron microscopy to directly visualize changes in cells. However, this is laboratory research in mice and cells, not human studies, so results may not directly translate to people. The sample size for the mouse experiments was not specified in the abstract, which limits our ability to assess statistical power.
What the Results Show
The main discovery was that microRNA-145 acts as a protective factor against plaque growth. When researchers blocked microRNA-145 in mice, the plaques in their arteries grew significantly larger compared to control mice. The researchers also found that blocking microRNA-145 increased a marker called LC3-II, which signals that autophagy (a cellular cleanup process) was happening more often. Using a special microscope technique, they could actually see more autophagosomes, which are the structures cells use during autophagy, in the plaques of mice with blocked microRNA-145. This suggests that when microRNA-145 is low, cells start an excessive cleanup process that actually makes plaque worse instead of better.
The research identified the specific proteins that microRNA-145 controls. The molecule works by reducing levels of TGFβR-II, a protein that sends growth signals to cells in blood vessel walls. When researchers directly blocked TGFβR-II using a different technique, they saw the same protective effects as when they increased microRNA-145. This finding was consistent both in living mice and in isolated blood vessel cells grown in the laboratory, suggesting the mechanism is reliable.
This research builds on earlier work showing that microRNA molecules regulate plaque formation. Previous studies had suggested that microRNA-145 might be involved in artery disease, but this work provides the first clear evidence of its protective role and identifies the specific proteins it targets. The connection between autophagy and plaque growth is relatively new, and this study adds important details about how this cellular process contributes to artery disease.
This study has several important limitations. First, it was conducted entirely in laboratory settings using mice and cells, not in human patients. Mice do not always respond to treatments the same way humans do. Second, the abstract does not specify how many mice were used or provide detailed statistical analysis, making it harder to assess how reliable the findings are. Third, this research shows what happens when microRNA-145 is blocked, but does not yet show whether artificially increasing microRNA-145 would be safe or effective as a treatment in living organisms. Finally, the study focuses on one specific pathway, but artery disease is complex and involves many different biological processes.
The Bottom Line
This research is too early-stage to recommend any new treatments. Instead, focus on proven ways to prevent artery disease: maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat a diet low in saturated fat and high in vegetables, manage stress, and if you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, work with your doctor on medication if needed. If you have a family history of heart disease, talk to your doctor about your personal risk.
This research is most relevant to people at risk for heart disease, including those with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart attacks. Researchers studying artery disease and pharmaceutical companies developing new treatments should also pay attention. However, this is not yet a treatment option for anyone.
This is basic laboratory research. If the findings hold up in further studies, it could take 5 to 10 years or more before any new treatment based on microRNA-145 reaches human testing, and several more years after that before it might become available to patients. Do not wait for this research to develop before taking action on proven heart disease prevention strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is microRNA-145 and why does it matter for heart health?
MicroRNA-145 is a tiny molecule that controls how cells in artery walls behave. When levels are low, cells trigger excessive cleanup processes that actually make plaque worse. Research shows boosting this molecule could prevent dangerous artery blockages that cause heart attacks.
Can I take microRNA-145 as a supplement to prevent heart disease?
No, microRNA-145 supplements do not currently exist and this research is too early for human treatments. Stick with proven prevention methods: exercise regularly, eat a heart-healthy diet, manage cholesterol and blood pressure, and avoid smoking. Talk to your doctor about your personal risk.
How long until microRNA-145 becomes a real treatment for heart disease?
This is basic laboratory research published in 2026. If further studies confirm these findings, it could take 5 to 10 years or more before human testing begins, and several additional years before any treatment reaches patients. Do not delay proven prevention strategies.
Does this research apply to people or just mice?
This study was conducted in mice and laboratory cells, not humans. While the findings are promising, mice do not always respond the same way people do. Human studies would be needed to confirm whether increasing microRNA-145 is safe and effective in people.
What can I do right now to prevent plaque buildup in my arteries?
Exercise at least 150 minutes per week, eat a diet rich in vegetables and low in saturated fat, maintain a healthy weight, manage stress, and if you have high cholesterol or blood pressure, work with your doctor on medication. Regular checkups help catch problems early.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track your cholesterol levels every 3 to 6 months if you have high cholesterol, recording both total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol). Note any changes in diet, exercise, or medications alongside these results to see what impacts your numbers.
- Set a daily reminder to take a 20 to 30 minute walk or do moderate exercise. Log each session in the app and track your energy levels and mood to build motivation. Over time, regular exercise helps lower cholesterol and reduces plaque buildup risk.
- Create a long-term heart health dashboard that tracks cholesterol levels, blood pressure, exercise frequency, diet quality, and weight. Review trends monthly to identify patterns and celebrate improvements. Share results with your doctor at annual checkups to adjust prevention strategies as needed.
This article describes laboratory research in mice and cells, not human studies. The findings are preliminary and do not represent a proven treatment. Do not change your heart disease prevention plan based on this research. If you have concerns about your heart health, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or family history of heart disease, consult your doctor before making any changes to diet, exercise, or medications. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.