miRNA 146b-5p protects against atherosclerosis by inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration

Aim:To explore the potentially important role of miRNA 146b-5p (miR-146b) during the development of atherosclerosis.Materials & methods:Proliferation, migration and luciferase assays and mouse models were used to determine the functions of miR-146b.Results:miR-146b was identified as substantially upregulated in the aortic plaques ofApoE-/- mice as well as in response to inflammatory cytokines. Overexpression of miR-146b repressed proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells by downregulatingBag1andMmp16, respectively. Adeno-associated virus-mediated miR-146b overexpression inhibited neointima formation after carotid injury and suppressed atherosclerotic plaque formation in western diet-inducedApoE-/- mice.Conclusion:miR-146b is a novel regulator of vascular smooth muscle cell function induced by inflammatory response, specifically in neointima formation, and offers a novel therapeutic strategy for treating atherosclerosis.