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

Figure 5

miR-33a ablation in MLC of VSMC origin rapidly restores VSMC in the presence of apoAI. To trigger VSMC-to-MLC transdifferentiation, WT, and KO MOVAS cells were cultured in cultured in serum-free medium containing MβCD:Chol. MOVAS cells were subsequently exposed to apoAI to induce cholesterol efflux for 24, 48, or 72 hours, and ACTA2 (a) and CD68 (b) expressions were measured within the apoAI-treated and baseline (T0) cells by using RT-qPCR. shows statistical significance ().

(a)

(b)