Macrophage-Derived Exosomal MALAT1 Induced by Hyperglycemia Regulates Vascular Calcification Through miR-143-3p/MGP

Kou-Gi Shyu1, Bao-Wei Wang2, Wei-Jen Fang2

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, 95 Wen-Chang Road, Taipei 111, Taiwan.

Cells
|December 24, 2025
PubMed

Insights

High glucose induces macrophage exosomal MALAT1, promoting vascular calcification (VC) by suppressing miR-143-3p and upregulating MGP. Targeting exosomal MALAT1 may treat VC in diabetes.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical research
  • Molecular biology
  • Cardiovascular research

Background:

  • Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is linked to vascular calcification (VC) and diabetes complications.
  • The role of exosomal MALAT1 from hyperglycemia-induced macrophages in VC is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of exosomal MALAT1 from high-glucose-treated macrophages on vascular calcification.
  • To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms involved in VC under hyperglycemic conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Cultured human macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in high glucose (25 mM).
  • Analyzed exosomal MALAT1 expression and its transfer to VSMCs.
  • Utilized MALAT1 siRNA and miR-143-3p mimics for intervention studies.
  • Assessed VC in cultured VSMCs and in a diabetic rat carotid artery injury model.

Main Results:

  • High glucose increased exosomal MALAT1 in macrophages.
  • Exosomal MALAT1 suppressed miR-143-3p and upregulated Matrix Gla protein (MGP) in VSMCs.
  • MALAT1 inhibition or miR-143-3p restoration reversed VC.
  • Exosomal MALAT1 promoted VC in VSMCs and diabetic rat carotid arteries.

Conclusions:

  • Macrophage-derived exosomal MALAT1 drives VC through the MALAT1/miR-143-3p/MGP pathway under hyperglycemia.
  • Targeting exosomal MALAT1 presents a potential therapeutic strategy for VC in metabolic disorders like diabetes.