Vascular endothelial cell-specific microRNA-15a inhibits angiogenesis in hindlimb ischemia

J Biol Chem. 2012 Aug 3;287(32):27055-64. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M112.364414. Epub 2012 Jun 12.

Abstract

The effects and potential mechanisms of the vascular endothelial cell (EC)-enriched microRNA-15a (miR-15a) on angiogenesis remain unclear. Here, we show a novel finding that EC-selective miR-15a transgenic overexpression leads to reduced blood vessel formation and local blood flow perfusion in mouse hindlimbs at 1-3 weeks after hindlimb ischemia. Mechanistically, gain- or loss-of-miR-15a function by lentiviral infection in ECs significantly reduces or increases tube formation, cell migration, and cell differentiation, respectively. By FGF2 and VEGF 3'-UTR luciferase reporter assays, Real-time PCR, and immunoassays, we further identified that the miR-15a directly targets FGF2 and VEGF to facilitate its anti-angiogenic effects. Our data suggest that the miR-15a in ECs can significantly suppress cell-autonomous angiogenesis through direct inhibition of endogenous endothelial FGF2 and VEGF activities. Pharmacological modulation of miR-15a function may provide a new therapeutic strategy to intervene against angiogenesis in a variety of pathological conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA Primers
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Hindlimb / blood supply*
  • Ischemia / pathology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / prevention & control*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • DNA Primers
  • MicroRNAs
  • Mirn15 microRNA, mouse
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2