miR-634 inhibits human vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration in hypertension through Wnt4/β-catenin pathway

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been regarded as modulators in vascular pathologies, including hypertension. Dysregulated proliferation and migration of VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells) contributes to vascular remodeling during hypertension. miR-634 was reported to be dysregulated in hypertensive patients. The involvement of miR-634 in hypertension and the role of miR-634 on VSMCs proliferation and migration were then evaluated. Firstly, HASMCs (human aortic smooth muscle cells) were incubated with 2 μM angiotensin (Ang) II for 12 hours to establish the cell model of Ang II-induced hypertension. Results showed that Ang II treatment promoted proliferation and migration of HASMCs. Secondly, miR-634 was down-regulated in the hypertensive patients, and reduced in Ang II-induced HASMCs in a time dependent manner. Functional assays revealed that Ang II promoted proliferation and migration of HASMCs were suppressed by miR-634 mimic. Lastly, miR-634 targeted 3' untranslated region (UTR) of Wnt4, and reduced Wnt4 expression in HASMCs. miR-634 inhibited β-catenin nuclear translocation. Over-expression of Wnt4 counteracted the suppressive effects of miR-634 on Ang II-induced proliferation and migration of HASMCs. In conclusion, miR-634 inhibited HASMCs proliferation and migration through inactivation of Wnt4/β-catenin pathway.