Effect of miR-27b-5p on apoptosis of human vascular endothelial cells induced by simulated microgravity

Weightlessness-induced cardiovascular dysfunction can lead to physiological and pathological consequences. It has been shown that spaceflight or simulated microgravity can alter expression profiles of some microRNAs (miRNAs). Here, we attempt to identify the role of miRNAs in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) apoptosis under simulated microgravity. RNA-sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays were used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in HUVECs under simulated microgravity. Then we obtained the target genes of these miRNAs through target analysis software. Moreover, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed. The effects of these miRNAs on HUVECs apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry, Western blot and Hoechst staining. Furthermore, we obtained the target gene of miR-27b-5p by luciferase assay, qRT-PCR and Western blot. Finally, we investigated the relationship between this target gene and miR-27b-5p in HUVECs apoptosis under normal gravity or simulated microgravity. We found 29 differentially expressed miRNAs in HUVECs under simulated microgravity. Of them, the expressions of 3 miRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR. We demonstrated that miR-27b-5p affected HUVECs apoptosis by inhibiting zinc fingers and homeoboxes 1 (ZHX1). Our results reported here demonstrate for the first time that simulated microgravity can alter the expression of some miRNAs in HUVECs and miR-27b-5p may protect HUVECs from apoptosis under simulated microgravity by targeting ZHX1.