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The antagonistic effects and mechanisms of microRNA-26a action in hypertensive vascular remodeling
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  • Wenqian Zhang,
  • Qiaozhu Wang,
  • Xin Xing,
  • Lijun Yang,
  • Min Xu,
  • Chunhui Cao,
  • Rong Wang,
  • Weicheng Li,
  • Xiaolin Niu,
  • Dengfeng Gao
Wenqian Zhang
Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Qiaozhu Wang
Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital
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Xin Xing
Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital
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Lijun Yang
Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital
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Min Xu
Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital
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Chunhui Cao
Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital
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Rong Wang
Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital
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Weicheng Li
Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital
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Xiaolin Niu
Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital
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Dengfeng Gao
2nd affiliated hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
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Abstract

Background and Purpose: Hypertensive vascular remodeling (VR) is responsible for end-organ damage and is the result of increased extracellular matrix accumulation and excessive vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. MicroRNA-26a (miR-26a), a non-coding small RNA, is involved in multiple cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to validate the effect and mechanisms of miR-26a in hypertensive VR. Experimental Approach: Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were injected intravenously with recombinant adeno-associated virus-miR-26a. In vitro experiments, angiotensin II (AngII)-induced VSMCs were transfected with miR-26a mimic or inhibitor. Key Results: We found miR-26a downregulated in the thoracic aorta and plasma of SHRs. Overexpression of miR-26a inhibited extracellular matrix deposition by targeting connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and mitigated VSMC proliferation by regulating the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2)/p21 pathway both in vitro and in vivo. AngII-mediated Smad3 activation suppressed miR-26a expression, which in turn promoted Smad3 activation via targeted regulation of Smad4, leading to further downregulation of miR-26a. Conclusion and Implications: Our study reveals that AngII stimulates a Smads/miR-26a positive feedback loop, which further reduces miR-26a expression, leading to collagen production and VSMC proliferation and consequently, VR. MiR-26a has an antagonistic effect on hypertensive VR and can be a strategy for treating hypertensive VR.
27 Jul 2020Submitted to British Journal of Pharmacology
30 Jul 2020Submission Checks Completed
30 Jul 2020Assigned to Editor
07 Aug 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
09 Oct 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Oct 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
04 Nov 20201st Revision Received
08 Nov 2020Submission Checks Completed
08 Nov 2020Assigned to Editor
09 Nov 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
20 Nov 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
22 Nov 2020Editorial Decision: Accept