title: Role of microRNA-214 in ginsenoside-Rg1-induced angiogenesis.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Lai-Sheung
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Patrick Ying-Kit
authors.initials: PY
authors.lastname: Yue
authors.forename: Nai-Ki
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Mak
authors.forename: Ricky Ngok-Shun
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology; D036145:Ginsenosides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D005894:Panax; D015854:Up-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D036145:Ginsenosides; C547397:MIRN214 microRNA, human; D035683:MicroRNAs; C496314:NOS3 protein, human; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; C035054:ginsenoside Rg1