Augmentation of miR-202 in varicose veins modulates phenotypic transition of vascular smooth muscle cells by targeting proliferator-activated receptor- coactivator-1

In varicose veins, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) often show abnormal proliferative and migratory rates and phenotypic transition. This study aimed to investigate whether microRNA (miR)-202 and its potential target, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- coactivator-1 (PGC-1), were involved in VSMC phenotypic transition. miR-202 expression was analyzed in varicose veins and in VSMCs conditioned with platelet-derived growth factor. The effect of miR-202 on cell proliferation and migration was assessed. Furthermore, contractile marker SM-22, synthetic markers vimentin and collagen I, and PGC-1 were analyzed by Western blot analysis. The modulation of PGC-1 expression by miR-202 was also evaluated. In varicose veins and proliferative VSMCs, miR-202 expression was upregulated, with decreased SM-22 expression and increased vimentin and collagen I expression. Transfection with a miR-202 mimic induced VSMC proliferation and migration, whereas a miR-202 inhibitor reduced cell proliferation and migration. miR-202 mimic constrained luciferase activity in HEK293 cells that were cotransfected with the PGC-1 3-untranslated region (3-UTR) but not those with mutated 3-UTR. miR-202 suppressed PGC-1 protein expression, with no influence on its messenger RNA expression. PGC-1 mediated VSMC phenotypic transition and was correlated with reactive oxygen species production. In conclusion, miR-202 affects VSMC phenotypic transition by targeting PGC-1 expression, providing a novel target for varicose vein therapy.