MicroRNA-19a-3p Regulates Abdominal Aneurysm Development and Progression via Direct Interaction with PMEPA1

Background: Abdominal aneurysm (AA) is a fatal disease with high mortality rates. The therapeutic approaches and roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNA (mRNA) in the treatment of AA have previously been explored. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of microRNA-19a-3p on PMEPA1 in the moderation of AA development and advancement. Materials and Methods: Quantitative Real Time-PCR was utilized to analyze the expression of microRNA-19a-3p and PMEPA1 in expanded vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Gene expression was modulated through cell transfection, either upregulating or downregulating the target genes, followed by assessment of cellular viability using the CCK-8 assay. RT-qPCR was employed to assess cellular proliferation and apoptosis, focusing on biomarkers Ki67 and PCNA for proliferation, and caspase-8 and caspase-3 for apoptosis. Results: The outcomes demonstrated that upregulated microRNA-19a-3p levels in AA-VSM cells promoted cellular viability. Silencing miR-19a-3p inhibited cell viability in AA VSM cells. Furthermore, microRNA-19a-3p was wholly connected to the 3'-UnTranslated Region of PMEPA1 to negatively regulate PMEPA1 expression and AA progression. Downregulated PMEPA1 strengthened the proliferation effect of microRNA-19a-3p in AA VSM cells. Conclusion: Our study provides further understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of microRNA-19a-3p and PMEPA1, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach to AA.