Figure 1.

Expression modulation of miR-145 in the vascular walls and the potential roles of miR-145 in vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype and atherosclerosis. miR-145 is the most abundant miRNA in normal arteries. Its expression is significantly downregulated in developing arteries and in adult arteries containing intimal hyperplasia. The downregulated miR-145 in adult arteries will increase VSMC dedifferentiation and result in the development of atherosclerotic lesions.