miR-181b and miR-204 suppress the VSMC proliferation and migration by downregulation of HCK

Background: VSMC proliferation and migration pathways play important roles in plaque formation in the vessel stenosis and re-stenosis processes. The microRNAs affect the expression of many genes that regulate these cellular processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of miR-181b, miR-204, and miR-599 on the gene and protein expression levels of hematopoietic cell kinase (HCK) in VSMCs. Methods: miR-181b, miR-204 were predicted for the suppression of HCK in the chemokine signaling pathway using bioinformatics tools. Then, the VSMCs were transfected by PEI-containing microRNAs. The HCK gene and protein expression levels were evaluated using RT-qPCR and Western blotting techniques, respectively. Moreover, the cellular proliferation and migration were evaluated by MTT and scratch assay methods. Results: The miR-181b and miR-204 decreased significantly the HCK gene and (total and phosphorylated) protein expression levels. Also, the miR-599 did not show any significant effects on the HCK gene and protein levels. The data also showed that miR-181b, miR-204, and miR-599 prevent significantly the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Conclusion: The downregulation of HCK by miR-181b and miR-204 suppressed the VSMC proliferation and migration.