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Updated: May 6, 2026
Murine Model of Hindlimb Ischemia
Published on: January 21, 2009
The 106b∼25 microRNA cluster is essential for neovascularization after hindlimb ischaemia in mice
Jonathan Semo1, Rinat Sharir1, Arnon Afek2
1Department of Cardiology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Aims:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miR) are endogenous short RNA sequences that regulate a wide range of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Several miRNAs control the formation of new blood vessels either by increasing or by inhibiting angiogenesis. Here, we investigated the possible role of the miR-106b∼25 cluster in postnatal neovascularization and in regulation of the angiogenic properties of adult bone marrow-derived stromal cells.
Methods And Results:
To study the effect of miR-106b∼25 deletion on neovascularization, we used a miR-106b∼25 knockout (KO) mouse model. After inducing hindlimb ischaemia, we showed that vascularization in ischaemic mice devoid of miR-106b∼25 is impaired, as evident from the reduced blood flow on laser Doppler perfusion imaging. The miR-106b∼25 cluster was also shown here to be an essential player in the proper functioning of bone marrow-derived stromal cells through its regulation of apoptosis, matrigel tube formation capacity, cytokine secretion, and expression of the stem-cell marker Sca-1. In addition, we showed that capillary sprouting from miR-106b∼25 KO aortic rings is diminished.
Conclusion:
These results show that the miR-106b∼25 cluster regulates post-ischaemic neovascularization in mice, and that it does so in part by regulating the function of angiogenic bone marrow-derived stromal cells and of endothelial cells.
Insights
The miR-106b∼25 cluster is crucial for blood vessel formation after injury. Its absence impairs neovascularization by affecting stromal and endothelial cell function.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of cellular processes.
- Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is vital for development and repair.
- Specific miRNAs influence angiogenic processes, impacting various physiological and pathological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the miR-106b∼25 cluster in postnatal neovascularization.
- To determine the impact of this miRNA cluster on the angiogenic properties of bone marrow-derived stromal cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a miR-106b∼25 knockout (KO) mouse model.
- Induced hindlimb ischemia to assess neovascularization.
- Analyzed vascularization using laser Doppler perfusion imaging.
- Evaluated bone marrow-derived stromal cell function (apoptosis, tube formation, cytokine secretion, Sca-1 expression).
- Assessed capillary sprouting from aortic rings.
Main Results:
- Mice lacking the miR-106b∼25 cluster exhibited impaired vascularization in ischemic hindlimbs.
- Deletion of miR-106b∼25 negatively affected stromal cell apoptosis, matrigel tube formation, cytokine secretion, and Sca-1 expression.
- Capillary sprouting from aortic rings was diminished in miR-106b∼25 KO mice.
- Reduced blood flow was observed in ischemic hindlimbs of KO mice.
Conclusions:
- The miR-106b∼25 cluster plays a significant role in regulating post-ischemic neovascularization.
- This regulation is partly mediated through its influence on the function of angiogenic bone marrow-derived stromal cells.
- The cluster also impacts the function of endothelial cells involved in neovascularization.
