Hsa_circ_0032389 Enhances Proliferation and Migration in PDGF-BB-Induced Human Aortic Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Molecular Biology
• RNA Biology

Background:

• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in atherosclerosis (AS) pathogenesis.
• The specific role of hsa_circ_0032389 in AS requires elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the function and mechanism of hsa_circ_0032389 in AS.
• To explore its regulation of human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HA-VSMCs) under platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) stimulation.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative real-time PCR to measure gene expression.
• Cell proliferation and migration assays (CCK-8, flow cytometry, EdU, Transwell, wound healing).
• Western blot, dual-luciferase reporter, and RIP assays to confirm molecular interactions.

Main Results:

• Hsa_circ_0032389 was upregulated in PDGF-BB-induced HA-VSMCs.
• Downregulation of hsa_circ_0032389 inhibited HA-VSMC proliferation and migration.
• Hsa_circ_0032389 sponged miR-513a-5p, and miR-513a-5p targeted FRS2.
• The miR-513a-5p/FRS2 axis mediated the effects of hsa_circ_0032389.

Conclusions:

• Hsa_circ_0032389 promotes PDGF-BB-induced HA-VSMC proliferation and migration.
• This occurs via the hsa_circ_0032389/miR-513a-5p/FRS2 regulatory pathway.
• Hsa_circ_0032389 is a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.