Coronary artery disease associated region between MFGE8 and ABHD2 long non-coding RNA (CARMAL)

CARMAL is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) located within the genomic region between the MFGE8 and ABHD2 genes—a genomic interval repeatedly implicated in genetic studies of coronary artery disease (CAD)[1][3]. CARMAL levels are influenced by genetic variants associated with CAD, with evidence suggesting it may act as a repressor of MFGE8 expression, potentially contributing to CAD protection[1][3]. It is stably and predominantly expressed in vascular cells, particularly in the cytosol, but at low abundance[1][3]. Deletion or downregulation of CARMAL leads to increased MFGE8 levels, while its overexpression shows inconsistent transcriptomic effects[1][3]. The full mechanism of action remains unclear, but the locus may also impact leucine metabolism, mRNA splicing, and local transcription regulation[3]. There is currently no evidence that CARMAL itself is a direct therapeutic target, nor are there known drugs, mechanisms of action, or clinical biomarkers that specifically interact with CARMAL; its function is primarily regulatory, and it serves as a genetic and molecular node influencing cardiovascular disease risk, rather than as a canonical "target" in the sense of drug development[1][3].

Other names

RP11-326A19.4AC013565.1CARMA associated lncRNACARMAL