miR-186, a serum microRNA, induces endothelial cell apoptosis by targeting SMAD6 in Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limited vasculitis that predominantly affects medium-sized arteries, particularly the coronary arteries. Recent studies have indicated that microRNAs are involved in many diseases, including KD. However, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the role of miR-186 in KD and potentially discover a new target for KD treatment. The results demonstrated that miR-186 was upregulated in serum from patients with KD and KD serum could increase miR-186 transcript levels in endothelial cells (HUVECs). Overexpression of miR-186 mimic induced HUVEC apoptosis through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation by targeting and inhibiting SMAD family member 6 (SMAD6). Furthermore, KD serum induced HUVEC apoptosis through miR-186. In conclusion, the present results suggested that KD serum-associated miR-186 has an essential role in endothelial cell apoptosis by activating the MAPK pathway through targeting the SMAD6 gene.