miR‑454‑3p prevents ox‑LDL‑induced apoptosis in HAECs by targeting TRPC3

Abstract

Endothelial‑cell (EC) apoptosis serves a vital role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Accumulating evidence has implicated microRNA (miRNA/miR) dysregulation in EC apoptosis. Although the role of miR‑454‑3p in carcinogenesis has been well documented, its role and underlying mechanism in EC apoptosis remain unclear. In the present study, the results revealed that miR‑454‑3p expression was substantially downregulated in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) following oxidized low‑density lipoprotein (ox‑LDL) treatment. miR‑454‑3p suppression significantly attenuated the viability of HAECs, while miR‑454‑3p overexpression repressed ox‑LDL‑induced HAEC apoptosis. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays revealed that transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3), a key regulator of atherosclerosis development, was the direct target of miR‑454‑3p. Furthermore, TRPC3 overexpression abolished the anti‑apoptotic effect of miR‑454‑3p on HAECs. These results revealed a novel role of miR‑454‑3p in ox‑LDL‑induced apoptosis in HAECs.