Inhibition of MicroRNA-29 Enhances Elastin Levels in Cells Haploinsufficient for Elastin and in Bioengineered Vessels—Brief Report

Objective—The goal of this study was to determine whether antagonizing microRNA (miR)-29 enhances elastin (ELN) levels in cells and tissues lacking ELN. Methods and Results—miR-29 mimics reduced ELN levels in fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, whereas miR-29 inhibition increased ELN levels. Antagonism of miR-29 also increased ELN levels in cells from patients haploinsufficient for ELN and in bioengineered human vessels. Conclusion—miR-29 antagonism may promote increased ELN levels during conditions of ELN deficiencies.

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