Role of microRNA-214 in ginsenoside-Rg1-induced angiogenesis

Eur J Pharm Sci. 2009 Nov 5;38(4):370-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ejps.2009.08.008. Epub 2009 Sep 4.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that act as post-transcriptional gene modulators. Ginsenoside-Rg1, one of the active components of ginseng, has been confirmed as an angiogenesis inducer. Using miRNA microarray analysis, a total of 17 (including miR-214) and 5 miRNAs were found to be down- or up-regulated by Rg1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), respectively. Since miR-214 is closely related to endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and hence angiogenesis, its expression was further validated by qRT-PCR. We also investigated the role of miR-214 on eNOS expression and in tubulogenesis and motility of HUVEC by transfection of specific miRNA inhibitor or precursor. Our results suggested that Rg1 can down-regulate miR-214 expression in HUVEC, leading to an increase in eNOS expression, and in vitro cell migration and tube formation which can possibly promote angiogenesis. These results signify a new understanding towards how a simple natural compound can affect physiological changes through modulation of miRNA expression.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / chemistry
  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endothelium, Vascular / cytology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects
  • Endothelium, Vascular / enzymology
  • Ginsenosides / chemistry
  • Ginsenosides / genetics*
  • Ginsenosides / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / antagonists & inhibitors
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / drug effects
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / genetics*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / biosynthesis
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / genetics
  • Panax*
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects
  • Up-Regulation / genetics

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
  • Ginsenosides
  • MIRN214 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • NOS3 protein, human
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III
  • ginsenoside Rg1