RNA Splicing of the Abi1 Gene by MBNL1 contributes to macrophage-like phenotype modulation of vascular smooth muscle cell during atherogenesis

Background Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) switch to macrophage-like cells after cholesterol loading, and this change may play an important role in atherogenesis. Muscleblind-like splicing regulator 1 (MBNL1) is a well-known splicing factor that has been implicated in many cellular processes. However, the role of MBNL1 in VSMC macrophage-like transdifferentiation is largely unknown. In this study, we aim to characterize the role of MBNL1-induced gene splicing during atherogenesis. Methods The expression of MBNL1 and Abelson interactor 1 (Abi1) splice variants (Abi1-e10 and Abi1-Delta e10) was compared between artery tissues from healthy donors and atherosclerosis patients. Regulatory mechanisms of MBNL1-induced Abi1 gene splicing were studied, and the signal pathways mediated by Abi1 splice variants were investigated in VSMC. Results Loss of MBNL1 was found in the macrophage-like VSMC (VSMC-M) in artery wall from atherosclerosis patients. In vitro and in vivo evidence confirmed that Abi1 is one of the MBNL1 target genes. Loss of MBNL1 significantly induces the Abi1-Delta e10 isoform expression. Compared to the known actin organization activities of the Abi1 gene, we discovered a novel action of Abi1-Delta e10, whereby Abi1-Delta e10 activates Rac1 independent of upstream stimulation and triggers the Rac1-NOX1-ROS pathway, which results in increased expression of transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4). While Abi1-Delta e10 inhibits contractile VSMC biomarkers expression and cell contraction, it stimulates VSMC proliferation, migration and macrophage-like transdifferentiation. Conclusion Loss-of-function of MBNL1 activates VSMC-M transdifferentiation to promote atherogenesis through regulating Abi1 RNA splicing.