miRNA 146b-5p protects against atherosclerosis by inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration.

To explore the potentially important role of miRNA 146b-5p (miR-146b) during the development of atherosclerosis. Proliferation, migration and luciferase assays and mouse models were used to determine the functions of miR-146b. miR-146b was identified as substantially upregulated in the aortic plaques of -/- mice as well as in response to inflammatory cytokines. Overexpression of miR-146b repressed proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells by downregulating and , respectively. Adeno-associated virus-mediated miR-146b overexpression inhibited neointima formation after carotid injury and suppressed atherosclerotic plaque formation in Western diet-induced -/- mice. miR-146b is a novel regulator of vascular smooth muscle cell function induced by inflammatory response, specifically in neointima formation, and offers a novel therapeutic strategy for treating atherosclerosis.