MEF2C/miR-133a-3p.1 circuit-stabilized AQP1 expression maintains endothelial water homeostasis.

ABSTRACT

Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) plays an important role in endothelial functions and is regulated by MEF2C. However, how AQP1 level is stabilized to maintain endothelial water homeostasis is still not clear. Here, we show that AQP1 expression is significantly upregulated by MEF2C transcriptionally and inhibited by miR-133a-3p.1 post-transcriptionally. Meanwhile, MEF2C activates the expression of miR-133a1. Simultaneous overexpression of MEF2C and miR-133a-3p.1 suppresses the aptitude of changes in AQP1 expression caused by either MEF2C or miR-133a-3p.1. Accordingly, the changes in migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) caused by MEF2C or miR133a-3p.1 are blunted by coexpression of both of them. These data demonstrate that the homeostasis and physiological function of AQP1 in endothelial health are maintained by the MEF2C and miR-133a-3p.1 regulatory circuit.