MiR-150 Regulates Poststroke Cerebral Angiogenesis via Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Rats

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Cardiovascular Biology

Background:

• Angiogenesis is crucial for poststroke recovery.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis after stroke is vital.
• MicroRNAs play significant roles in regulating cellular processes, including angiogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a microRNA-150 (miR-150)-based mechanism involved in cerebral angiogenesis after stroke.
• To explore the role of miR-150 in regulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and function.

Main Methods:

• Established rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and oxygen-glucose deprivation cell models.
• Assessed angiogenesis markers including capillary density, tube formation, cell proliferation, and migration.
• Quantified miR-150 and VEGF expression using RT-PCR and Western blotting.
• Utilized dual-luciferase assays to confirm the interaction between miR-150 and VEGF.

Main Results:

• miR-150 expression was detected in brain and serum following cerebral ischemia and in oxygen-glucose-deprived brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs) and astrocytes.
• Upregulated miR-150 reduced vascular density, tube formation, proliferation, and migration of BMVECs.
• miR-150 was confirmed to directly target and negatively regulate VEGF expression.
• VEGF mediated the effects of miR-150 on BMVEC functions.

Conclusions:

• miR-150 plays a regulatory role in cerebral poststroke angiogenesis in rats.
• The miR-150/VEGF axis is a key mechanism influencing angiogenesis after stroke.
• Targeting the miR-150 pathway may offer therapeutic potential for poststroke recovery.