MicroRNA-423-5p Mediates Cocaine-Induced Smooth Muscle Cell Contraction by Targeting Cacna2d2

Abstract

Background: Cocaine abuse increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and causes acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and hypertension (HTN). Significant research has explored the role of the sympathetic nervous system mediating the cocaine effects on the cardiovascular (CV) system. However, the response of the sympathetic nervous system alone is insufficient to completely account for the CV consequences seen in cocaine users. Here, we examined the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in mediating the effect of cocaine on the CV system. MiRNAs regulate many important biological processes and have been associated with both response to cocaine and CV disease development. Multiple miRNAs have altered expression in the CV system (CVS) upon cocaine exposure. Herein, we examined the role of microRNA-423-5p and the downstream signaling events in regulating cocaine-induced mouse aortic smooth muscle cell (SMC) contraction. Methods: To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the cocaine response in the CV system, we studied the role of miRNA-423-5p and its target Cacna2d2 in the regulation of intracellular calcium concentration and SMC contractility, a critical factor in the modulation of blood pressure (BP). We used in vivo models to evaluate BP and aortic stiffness. Results: In vitro, Cocaine treatment decreased miR-423-5p expression and increased Cacna2d2 expression, which led to elevated intracellular calcium concentrations and increased SMC contractility. Overexpression of miR-423-5p, silencing of its target Cacna2d2, and treatment with a calcium channel blocker reversed the elevated SMC contractility caused by cocaine. In contrast, suppression of miR-423-5p increased the intracellular calcium concentration and SMC contractibility. In vivo, overexpression of miR-423-5p ameliorated the increase in BP and aortic stiffness associated with cocaine use. Conclusions: MiR-423-5p regulates SMC contraction by modulating Cacna2d2 expression increasing intracellular calcium concentrations. Modulation of miR-423-5p—Cacna2d2—Calcium transport pathway may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to improve cocaine-induced hypertension and aortic stiffness.

The Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype and the Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Aneurysms

“…[25][26][27] In addition, SNHG7-003 regulates contractile protein expression and inhibits VSMC proliferation and migration, contributing to vascular homeostasis and preventing pathological remodeling. 19,28 Other lncRNAs, including MALAT1, H19, MEG3, ANRIL, CARMN, PEBP1P2, PVT1, NEAT1, AK098656, and GAS5, are also implicated in modulating VSMC behavior [29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36] ; Moreover, some miRNAs are also found to modulate lncRNAs or gene expression to mediate VSMC phenotypic transition, [37][38][39] suggesting their potential role in vascular disease pathogenesis through effects on cell proliferation, migration, ECM dynamics, and inflammatory responses, thereby promoting the occurrence and progression of aneurysms and other vascular diseases.…”