Understanding the function and molecular relevance of distinct miRNAs in endothelial cells (ECs) paves avenues for possible therapeutic intervention by targeting epigenetic mechanisms in vascular endothelial dysfunction, one of the major complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MiR-342-3p, an obesity-associated miRNA, has recently been shown to be significantly upregulated in human angiosarcoma compared to benign hemangioma, indicating its potential involvement as a proangiogenic factor. Herein, we show that endothelial miR-342-3p expression was significantly compromised in T2DM organisms and this inhibition powerfully blocked vasculogenesis in vivo by repressing endothelial proliferation and migration. From a mechanistic standpoint, miR-342-3p promoted the transactivation of fibroblast growth factor 11 (FGF11) by directly targeting its 3' untranslated regions (3'UTRs). Functionally, overexpression of exogenous FGF11 successfully rescued miR-342-3p deficiency-impaired endothelial proliferation and migration. Thus, perturbation of miR-342-3p/FGF11 cascade by hyperinsulinemia plays a causative role in the induction of vascular dysfunction in T2DM. Overall, the current study underscore an endothelial facet of miR-342-3p, which may operate as a novel epigenetic integrator linking adipogenic homeostasis and angiogenesis.
Keywords: Angiogenesis; Endothelial cells; FGF11; Hyperinsulinemia; miR-342-3p.
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