A Common Polymorphism in the FADS1 Locus Links miR1908 to Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Through BMP1

Objective: Leveraging microRNA-Seq data and the 1000 Genomes imputed genotypes, we identified rs174561 as a strong microRNA quantitative trait loci for circulating microRNA-1908-5p with higher miR-1908-5p and reduced LDL (low-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol, fasting glucose and A1c concentrations in carriers of the rs-174561-C allele. Here, we have investigated the molecular mechanism(s) linking miR-1908-5p to LDL-C concentrations. Approach and Results: Transfection experiments demonstrate that the presence of the C allele significantly increases miR-1908-5p abundance relative to the T allele. LDLR mRNA and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) total protein were unchanged in response to differential miR-1908-5p expression. However, the ratio of the cleaved to full-length form of LDLR decreased with miR-1908-5p mimic and increased with miR-1908-5p inhibitor treatment. BMP1 (bone morphogenetic protein 1) is a protease responsible for LDLR cleavage, and we show that miR-1908-5p mimic reduces BMP1 mRNA. Using a reporter array, we identified the TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) signaling pathway activity to be reduced by miR-1908-5p mimic treatment, and this was associated with reduced TGFB1 expression. TGF-beta signaling increases BMP1, and we further demonstrate that the effect of miR-1908-5p on LDLR cleavage is abolished by exogenous TGF-beta treatment. Conclusions: These findings uncover a mechanism whereby miR-1908-5p reduces TGFB1 abundance resulting in lower expression of BMP1, ultimately leading to reduced LDLR cleavage. Cleavage of the mature LDLR is known to reduce cell surface affinity for LDL, thereby linking miR-1908-5p to lower circulating LDL-cholesterol levels.