LncRNA LEF1-AS1 regulates the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells by targeting miR-544a/PTEN axis |
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Authors: | Lina Zhang Changyong Zhou Qiaoji Qin Zhenfang Liu Peng Li |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, PR China;2. Department of Emergency Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, PR China |
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Abstract: | Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in endothelium development. A lncRNA, LEF1-AS1, is recently emerging as a potent mediator of the proliferation and migration of a number of cells, including smooth muscle cells. However, the effects of LEF1-AS1 in atherosclerosis remains largely unknown. Specimens from patients with coronary artery atherosclerosis were collected. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze levels of LEF1-AS1 and microRNA-544a (miR-544a). Western blot analysis was used to assess PTEN, P-Akt, and T-Akt protein expression. Proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells were analyzed by cell counting kit-8 assay, scratch wound assay, and transwell assay, respectively. The interaction between LEF1-AS1, miR-544a, and PTEN was probed using bioinformatical analysis and dual-luciferase assay. In plasma and tissue of patients with coronary artery atherosclerosis, LEF1-AS1 was upregulated and miR-544a was downregulated. A negative correlation was found between LEF1-AS1 and miR-544a. miR-544a overexpression reversed the inhibition of LEF1-AS1 in smooth muscle cell proliferation and invasion, which were mediated through the PTEN pathway. LEF1-AS1 regulates smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration through the miR-544a/PTEN axis, indicating that LEF1-AS1 may be a potential therapeutic target in atherosclerosis. |
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Keywords: | atherosclerosis LEF1-AS1 long noncoding RNA miR-544a/PTEN axis vascular smooth muscle cells |
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