miR-155 inhibits oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced apoptosis of RAW264.7 cells

Mol Cell Biochem. 2013 Oct;382(1-2):253-61. doi: 10.1007/s11010-013-1741-4.

Abstract

Macrophage apoptosis is a prominent feature of advanced atherosclerotic plaques. Here, we examined the hypothesis that the apoptotic machinery is regulated by microRNA-155 (miR-155). Constitutive expression of miR-155 was detected in RAW264.7 cells, which was increased following stimulation with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. OxLDL-treated RAW264.7 cells showed a marked time- and dose-dependent increase in apoptosis, which was suppressed in the presence of mimics and increased with antagonists of miR-155. Bioinformatics analysis revealed Fas-associated death domain-containing protein (FADD) as a putative target of miR-155. Luciferase reporter assay and Western blot further disclosed that miR-155 inhibits FADD expression by directly targeting the 3'-UTR region. We propose that miR-155 attenuates the macrophage apoptosis, at least in part, through FADD regulation, since forced expression of FADD blocked the ability of miR-155 to inhibit apoptosis. Our results collectively suggest that miR-155 attenuates apoptosis of OxLDL-mediated RAW264.7 cells by targeting FADD, supporting a possible therapeutic role in atherosclerosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions / genetics
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / genetics
  • Cytoprotection / drug effects
  • Cytoprotection / genetics
  • Fas-Associated Death Domain Protein / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / pharmacology*
  • Macrophages / cytology*
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Macrophages / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Fas-Associated Death Domain Protein
  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • MicroRNAs
  • Mirn155 microRNA, mouse
  • RNA, Messenger
  • oxidized low density lipoprotein