Article Text
Abstract
Objective However, the mechanisms through which insulin exerts this effect are not entirely known. We hypothesise that microRNAs might be involved in insulin-induced VSMC proliferation.
Methods VSMC proliferation was determined by [3H]-thymidine incorporation; microRNAs were determined by microRNA chips and real-time PCR; p21 expression was determined by immunoblotting.
Results We found that insulin increased VSMC proliferation and miR-208 expression. Overexpression of miR-208 increased basal and insulin-mediated VSMC proliferation. Although miR-208 inhibitor, by itself, it had no effect on VSMC proliferation.
Conclusions This study indicates that miRNAs, miR-208, in particular, are involved in the insulin-induced VSMC proliferation via down-regulation of its potential target, p21, a key member of CDK-inhibitory protein family.