miR-483 Targeting of CTGF Suppresses Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition

Rationale:Endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is implicated in myofibroblast-like cell–mediated damage to the coronary arterial wall in acute Kawasaki disease (KD) patients, as evidenced by positive staining for connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and EndoMT markers in KD autopsy tissues. However, little is known about the molecular basis of EndoMT involved in KD. Objective:We investigated the microRNA (miRNA) regulation of CTGF and the consequent EndoMT in KD pathogenesis. As well, the modulation of this process by statin therapy was studied. Methods and Results:Sera from healthy children and KD subjects were incubated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Cardiovascular disease–related miRNAs, CTGF, and EndoMT markers were quantified using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction, ELISA, and Western blotting. Compared with healthy controls, human umbilical vein endothelial cell incubated with sera from acute KD patients had decreased miR-483, increased CTGF, and inc...