lncRNA TUG1 promotes atherosclerosis progression by targeting miR-382-5p

Atherosclerosis is a key risk factor for the initiation of cardiovascular disease, which results in high morbidity and mortality. lncRNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) has been reported to participate in the development of atherosclerosis. Here, we aimed to investigate the interaction of TUG1 and miR-382-5p in regulating atherosclerosis progression.

The levels of TUG1 and miR-382-5p in atherosclerotic serum samples and a cell model were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Pearson correlation analysis was then applied to TUG1 and miR-382-5p expression. Moreover, the interaction between TUG1 and miR-382-5p was confirmed by luciferase assay. The biological interaction between TUG1 and miR-382-5p was also dissected by loss of function analyses, including cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Caspase-3 assays for cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively, in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-treated human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

TUG1 and miR-382-5p expressions were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, in both atherosclerotic serum samples and a cell model. In addition, the expression of TUG1 was negatively correlated with the level of miR-382-5p in atherosclerotic serum samples. Moreover, silencing of TUG1 reduced cell growth and enhanced the apoptosis of ox-LDL-treated VSMCs. Notably, a miR-382-5p inhibitor significantly reversed the effect of TUG1 downregulation on ox-LDL-treated VSMCs, which aggravates the process of atherosclerosis.

TUG1 can aggravate atherosclerosis progression by reducing the expression of miR-382-5p. This study provides an effective treatment target of atherosclerosis patients based on the TUG1-miR-382-5p axis.