A Novel Cholesterol-Responsive Hepatic tRNA-derived Small RNA
Tech ID: 34663 / UC Case 2025-662-0
Background
Cholesterol homeostasis is essential for normal biological function, but imbalances can lead to severe conditions, including cardiovascular disease (CVD),
atherosclerosis, and hepatic steatosis. Traditional regulators of lipid metabolism, such as SREBPs and microRNAs (miRNAs), have been well-studied. However, the role of transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) in lipid metabolism has remained largely understudied given that they are crucial players in diverse biological processes.
Brief Description
Prof. Changcheng Zhou and colleagues from the University of California, Riverside (UCR) have developed an antisense oligonucleotide to knockdown tsRNA-Glu-CTC, which is an abundant tsRNA in the liver and a critical regulator of cholesterol homeostasis. This specific tsRNA is cholesterol responsive and interacts with the master lipid regulator SREBP2. In vivo studies in mice demonstrated that the treatment reduces hypercholesterolemia and hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) in mice fed a high-cholesterol diet. This treatment is advantageous because it may open new therapeutic avenues for cardiometabolic conditions and liver disease.
Suggested uses
- A potential cardiometabolic therapeutic treatment for a variety of conditions including atherogenic dyslipidemia (hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis) and metabolic liver disease (hepatic steatosis and fibrosis).
Patent Status
Patent Pending
Related Materials
Contact
- Grace Yee
- grace.yee@ucr.edu
- tel: View Phone Number.
Other Information
Keywords
tsRNA-Glu-CTC, ASO, cholesterol homeostasis, atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, SREBP2, hepatic steatosis, cardiometabolic disease.
