MicroRNA miR145 Regulates TGFBR2 Expression and Matrix Synthesis in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract

These data demonstrate a specific role for miR145 in the regulation of matrix gene expression in smooth muscle cells and suggest that miR145 acts to suppress TGFβ-dependent extracellular matrix accumulation and fibrosis, while promoting TGFβ-induced smooth muscle cell differentiation. Our findings offer evidence to explain how TGFβ signaling exhibits distinct downstream actions via its regulation by a specific microRNA.