MiR-26 controls LXR-dependent cholesterol efflux by targeting ABCA1 and ARL7

Cellular cholesterol levels are tightly regulated and represent a balance of cholesterol uptake, endogenous synthesis and efflux. Although the classic transcriptional regulations of cholesterol metabolism by liver X receptors (LXRs) have been well studied, the potential effects of LXR-responsive microRNAs (miRNAs) still need to be unveiled. Here, we describe that miR-26, an LXR-suppressed miRNA, inhibits the expression of the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and ADP-ribosylation factor-like 7 (ARL7), two LXR target genes which play critical roles in cholesterol efflux. These findings have not only figured out an alternative mechanism for LXR regulation, but also provided a potential therapeutic target for cholesterol metabolic disorders.

► miR-26 is suppressed upon ligand activation of LXRs.
► miR-26 can target ABCA1 and ARL7.
► miR-26 inhibits cholesterol efflux.