Commentary for the article: MicroRNA-1246 regulates proliferation, invasion and differentiation in human vascular smooth muscle cell by targeting cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)

Abstract

In this issue of Pflügers Archiv European Journal of Physiology, Pan et al. demonstrate the effects of miR-1246 in the regulation of proliferation, migration, and differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) [6]. By using human VSMC cell lines and molecular, cellular and functional approaches, the authors demonstrated that miR-1246 actions on VSMCs are exert through downregulation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. Atherosclerosis is a chronic low-grade inflammatory process that involves large and medium-caliber arteries and is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, it is essential to advance in the knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to its development and complication given its high impact on health [1, 4]. VSMCs dysfunction represent a key step in the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic lesion [9], turning the comprehension of the mechanisms that lead to VSMCs dysfunction an area of great interest since they can offer an alternative for the development of new therapeutic strategies.