MicroRNA-23a suppresses the apoptosis of inflammatory macrophages and foam cells in atherogenesis by targeting HSP90

In previous study, we have found that microRNA-23a is down regulated in atherosclerotic tissues. Here we demonstrate that miR-23a directly binds to 3'UTR of HSP90 mRNA to suppress the expression of HSP90. To investigate the potential roles of miR-23a in macrophage, THP-1 macrophages were transfected with miR-23a mimics or inhibitors. Our results showed inflammatory factors IL-6 and MCP-1 concentrations in cell culture medium of macrophage and foam cell transfected with miR-23a mimics were decreased. Furthermore, we find that apoptosis of macrophage and foam cells transfected with miR-23a mimics were inhibited. Over expression of miR-23a in foam cells could reduced lipid intake and accumulation in foam cells. Meanwhile, we found that in inflammatory macrophages and foam cells transfected with miR-23a mimcs, HSP90 and NF-kappa B proteins are significantly decreased. Our results have suggested a promising and potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.