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Updated: Sep 30, 2025

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
08:43

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation

Published on: May 31, 2016

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MiR-140-5p upregulation suppressed β-glycerophosphate-induced vascular smooth muscle cell calcification via targeting

Fan Zhang1, Jingxing Li1, Chengxiong Gu1

  • 1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology
|March 11, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-140-5p upregulation inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell calcification by targeting Toll-like receptor 4. This finding offers a potential therapeutic strategy for vascular calcification.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Vascular calcification is a pathological process involving vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in cellular processes, including vascular calcification.
  • The specific role of miR-140-5p in VSMC calcification requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of microRNA (miRNA, miR)-140-5p in the calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).
  • To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying miR-140-5p's role in VSMC calcification.

Main Methods:

  • VSMC calcification was induced using β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) and assessed via Alizarin Red S staining and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity.
  • Apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry.
  • Target gene prediction and validation were performed using dual-luciferase reporter assays.
  • Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were used to measure the expression of miR-140-5p, TLR4, and related proteins (α-SMA, MSX2, BMP2, KLF4, RUNX2).

Main Results:

  • Upregulation of miR-140-5p reversed β-GP-induced effects, including reduced miR-140-5p and α-SMA expression, enhanced ALP activity, increased calcium nodule formation, and promoted apoptosis.
  • MiR-140-5p upregulation led to increased levels of MSX2, BMP2, KLF4, and RUNX2.
  • Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was identified as a direct target of miR-140-5p and its expression was inversely correlated with miR-140-5p levels, mediating the effects on VSMC calcification.

Conclusions:

  • MiR-140-5p upregulation effectively suppresses β-GP-induced VSMC calcification.
  • The mechanism involves targeting TLR4, highlighting miR-140-5p as a potential therapeutic agent for vascular calcification.
Keywords:
Toll like receptor 4Vascular calcificationmicroRMA-140-5pvascular smooth muscle cellsβ-glycerophosphate

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