Hsa_circ_0030042 Facilitates the Proliferation and Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via the miR-514a-3p/FOXO1 Axis

Abstract

Purpose: Circular RNA (circRNA) has been proved to play a vital role in atherosclerosis (AS) progression, and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are involved in the progression of AS. However, the in-depth mechanism by which circRNA regulates VSMC proliferation and migration remains to be elusive. Methods: We used tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) to treat VSMCs to establish a cell model of AS. We used Cell Counting Kit-8, terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase–mediated nick end labeling, and transwell assays to assess the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration in TNF-α-induced VSMCs. Moreover, the interaction between molecules was measured by RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, and luciferase reporter assays. Results: Our study found that a novel circRNA hsa_circ_0030042, which is derived from its host gene forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), was upregulated in TNF-α-induced VSMCs. Silencing of hsa_circ_0030042 inhibited proliferation and migration while promoting apoptosis in TNF-α-induced VSMCs. Mechanically, hsa_circ_0030042 positively regulated FOXO1 expression via sponging miR-514a-3p. Conclusions: Our study stated the vital role of the hsa_circ_0030042/miR-514a-3p/FOXO1 axis and provides a profound understanding about the circRNA in AS.