Programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4) is a downstream target gene of miR-21 in stretch-induced apoptosis in HASMCs.

<p>(A) Quantified RT-PCR analysis of effect of stretch on PDCD4 mRNA expression in HASMCs. HASMCs underwent stretch (16% elongation, 1 Hz) or were maintained under static conditions for 12 hr. Data are mean ± SEM, n = 4 per group. *P<0.01, vs. static control; (B) Western blot analysis of effect of stretch on PDCD4 protein expression in HASMCs. HASMCs underwent stretch (16% elongation, 1 Hz) for 12 hr, or were treated with (C) miR-21 or NC inhibitor after stretch for 12 hr. Data are mean ± SEM, n = 3 per group. *P<0.01, vs. static control; # P<0.05, vs. stretch. (D) Effect of PDCD4 overexpression on apoptosis of stretched HASMCs. HASMCs were transfected with plasmid expressing PDCD4 or GFP, then were exposed to stretch (16% elongation, 1 Hz) for 12 hr. FACS analysis of Annexin V-FITC and PI staining of apoptosis of HASMCs under different conditions. Data are mean ± SEM, n = 4 per group. **P<0.01, vs. static control; ## P<0.01, vs. Stretch + plasmid-GFP.