miR-33a Expression Attenuates ABCA1-Dependent Cholesterol Efflux and Promotes Macrophage-Like Cell Transdifferentiation in Cultured Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Figure 3

Converting MOVAS cells to a MLC phenotype increases miR-33a expression. MOVAS cells were cultured in serum-free medium containing either vehicle only to retain the VSMC phenotype or MβCD:Chol to induce VSMC-to-MLC transdifferentiation, and expression of miR-33a-3p (a) and miR-33a-5p (b) was measured in the treated cells via RT-qPCR. (c) WT and KO MOVAS cells were cultured in serum-free medium containing either vehicle only for VSMC maintenance or MβCD:Chol to promote MLC conversion. To revert MLC back to a VSMC phenotype, MβCD:Chol-loaded cells were subsequently exposed to apoAI. ACTA2 protein = red; CD68 protein = green; cell nuclei (DAPI) = blue.

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