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miRNA 146b-5p protects against atherosclerosis by inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration

Dating Sun1, Gui Xiang2, Jing Wang1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, PR China.

Epigenomics
|October 21, 2020
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNA 146b-5p (miR-146b) plays a key role in atherosclerosis development. Upregulation of miR-146b in vascular cells inhibits plaque formation, suggesting it as a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Molecular Medicine
  • MicroRNA Therapeutics

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis.
  • The specific role of miR-146b in atherosclerosis requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of miR-146b in the development of atherosclerosis.
  • To determine the regulatory mechanisms of miR-146b in vascular smooth muscle cells.
  • To assess the therapeutic potential of miR-146b in atherosclerosis models.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro assays: proliferation, migration, and luciferase assays.
  • In vivo studies: mouse models including ApoE-/- mice and carotid injury models.
  • Molecular analysis: assessment of gene expression (Bag1, Mmp16) and miRNA levels.

Main Results:

  • miR-146b was significantly upregulated in atherosclerotic plaques and inflammatory conditions.
  • Overexpression of miR-146b suppressed vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration by downregulating Bag1 and Mmp16.
  • Adeno-associated virus-mediated miR-146b delivery inhibited neointima formation and atherosclerotic plaque progression in mice.

Conclusions:

  • miR-146b is a novel regulator of vascular smooth muscle cell function in response to inflammation.
  • miR-146b plays a protective role in neointima formation and atherosclerosis.
  • miR-146b represents a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis treatment.
Keywords:
atherosclerosisepigeneticsinflammationmiR-146bmigrationneointima formationproliferationvascular smooth muscle cells

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