Inflammation is a natural physiological process that is essential for maintenance of homeostasis. At the molecular level, inflammation is mediated and regulated by signalling pathways such as the NF-kB pathway which has multiple ‘brakes’ embedded in it to prevent a sustained inflammatory response. Prolonged, chronic inflammation in blood vessels leads to vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. This disease is characterized by the growth of a lipid-rich rich plaque, which causes the narrowing of blood vessels such as coronary arteries. My research focused on the regulation of molecular pathways by small RNA molecules called microRNAs (miRs), specifically miR-146a. Utilizing an atherosclerosis-prone mouse model in which miR-146a is genetically deleted, I was able characterize the effects of miR-146a on inflammation and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, my findings provided insight into a known mutation in the miR-146a gene that is associated in coronary artery disease patients.