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MicroRNA-126 affects cell apoptosis, proliferation, cell cycle and modulates VEGF/TGF-β levels in pulmonary artery
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China. zhongqianjin@hainan.net.
Objective:
In the clinic, therapeutic options for pulmonary arterial hypertension are limited; therefore, investigating the therapeutic strategies and novel therapies is critical for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the role of miRNA-126 (miR-126) and its associated signaling pathways and specific mechanisms for the pathogenesis of PAH.
Materials And Methods:
The pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) were isolated and identified. The miR-126 mimic and miR-126 inhibitor were synthesized. LV-3-miR-126 mimic viral vector and LV-3-miR-126 inhibitor vector were established and infected into pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Expression of sprouty-related EVH1 domain-containing protein 1 (SPRED1), phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 2 (PIK3R2) and miR-126 were detected using Real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Cell apoptosis (Annexin V-PE/7-AAD) and proliferation (PKH26) were examined by using FACScan flow cytometry. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and TGF-β3 levels were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.
Results:
miR-126 inhibited the endothelial cells related to SPRED1 and PIK3R2 expression. Over-expression of miR-126 significantly inhibited the PAECs apoptosis compared to PAECs and blank LV-3 vector group (p<0.05). miR-126 significantly triggered the PAECs proliferation compared to PAECs and blank LV-3 vector group (p<0.05). In functional analysis, miR-126 mimic significantly increased the cells amounts of S phases compared to PAECs and blank LV-3 vector group (p<0.05). Pre-infection with miR-126 mimic significantly enhanced the levels of VEGF, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 compared to PAECs and blank LV-3 vector group (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
miR-126 could affect cell apoptosis, proliferation, cell cycle, and modulate VEGF/TGF-β levels.
Insights
MicroRNA-126 (miR-126) plays a critical role in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by influencing endothelial cell apoptosis and proliferation. This study reveals miR-126
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) presents limited therapeutic options, necessitating research into novel treatment strategies.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying PAH pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microRNA-126 (miR-126) in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
- To evaluate the impact of miR-126 on associated signaling pathways and specific mechanisms in PAH.
Main Methods:
- Pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) were isolated and treated with miR-126 mimic or inhibitor via viral vectors.
- Gene expression (SPRED1, PIK3R2, miR-126) was quantified using RT-PCR.
- Cell apoptosis, proliferation, cell cycle, and levels of VEGF, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 were assessed using flow cytometry and ELISA.
Main Results:
- miR-126 overexpression inhibited PAEC apoptosis and promoted proliferation and S-phase cell cycle progression.
- miR-126 mimic significantly increased VEGF, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 levels in PAECs.
- miR-126 expression was inversely correlated with SPRED1 and PIK3R2 in PAECs.
Conclusions:
- miR-126 significantly influences PAEC apoptosis, proliferation, and cell cycle.
- miR-126 modulates key signaling molecules including VEGF and TGF-β, suggesting a role in PAH development.
- Targeting miR-126 may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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