Bingfeng Cao et al. Qingxia Liu Xiaoyuan Zhang Yufeng Wang
Abstract
Background
The role of the long noncoding RNA ZEB1-AS1 in cardiac hypertrophy (CH) remains unclear.
Objectives
To investigate the function of ZEB1-AS1 in the development and progression of CH as well as elucidate its underlying molecular mechanism.
Methods
RNA expression levels were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR. Surface area of AC16 cells was assessed by immunofluorescence staining. Protein expression was evaluated by Western blotting. Interactions among RNAs were examined using luciferase reporter assays and RNA immunoprecipitation. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
The expression of ZEB1-AS1 was upregulated in myocardial tissues and in isoproterenol (ISO)-stimulated AC16 cells. The knockdown of ZEB1-AS1 mitigated ISO-induced hypertrophic responses. Mechanistically, ZEB1-AS1 modulated histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) expression by acting as a molecular sponge for miR-186-5p. Consistently, the knockdown of ZEB1-AS1 reduced HDAC2 and decreased the expression of hypertrophic markers, including B-type natriuretic peptide, atrial natriuretic peptide, and β-myosin heavy chain, thereby restraining the progression of CH.
Conclusions
ZEB1-AS1 is upregulated in myocardial tissues and ISO-stimulated AC16 cells. Our findings indicate the ZEB1-AS1/miR-186-5p/HDAC2 axis contributes to CH, providing a mechanistic basis and potential therapeutic target for clinical intervention.