Fig. 4

MiR-526b-3p affected the proliferation, migration and tube formation of GECs via binding to MMP2. a Relative expression levels of miR-526b-3p in AECs and GECs were determined by qRT-PCR. Data represent mean ± SD (n = 3, each group; **P < 0.01). b FISH was performed to investigate expression and location of miR-526b-3p in AECs and GECs (red, miR-526b-3p; blue, DAPI nuclear staining). c The effect of miR-526b-3p on the viability of GECs was determined by CCK-8 assay. Data represent mean ± SD (n = 3, each group; **P < 0.01, ^##P < 0.01). d The effect of miR-526b-3p on the migration of GECs was assessed by Transwell assay. Data represent mean ± SD (n = 3, each group; **P < 0.01, ^##P < 0.01). e The effect of miR-526b-3p on the tube formation of GECs was evaluated by Matrigel tube formation assay (Black arrow, tube structures; Grey arrow, tube branches). Data represent mean ± SD (n = 3, each group; **P < 0.01, ^##P < 0.01). Scale bar represents 30 μm. f-g The effect of miR-526b-3p on the expression of MMP2 and VEGFA. Data represent mean ± SD (n = 3, each group; **P < 0.01, ^##P < 0.01). h Effects of miR-526b-3p on the activity of MMP2. Data represent mean ± SD (n = 3, each group; **P < 0.01, ^##P < 0.01). i The putative miR-526b-3p binding site in MMP2 (MMP2-Wt) and the designated mutant sequence (MMP2-Mut) were illustrated. j Luciferase reporter assay of HEK293T cells co-transfected with MMP2-Wt or MMP2-Mut and miR-526b-3p or miR-526b-3p-NC. Data represent mean ± SD (n = 3, each group; **P < 0.01). k The putative miR-526b-3p binding site in VEGFA (VEGFA -Wt) and the designated mutant sequence (VEGFA-Mut) were illustrated. l Luciferase reporter assay of HEK293T cells co-transfected with VEGFA -Wt or VEGFA -Mut and miR-526b-3p or miR-526b-3p-NC. Data represent mean ± SD (n = 3, each group; **P < 0.01)