Long Non-Coding RNAs Might Regulate Phenotypic Switch of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Acting as ceRNA: Implications for In-Stent Restenosis

Coronary in-stent restenosis is a late complication of angioplasty. It is a multifactorial process that involves vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), endothelial cells, and inflammatory and genetic factors. In this study, the transcriptomic landscape of VSMCs’ phenotypic switch process was assessed under stimuli resembling stent injury. Co-cultured contractile VSMCs and endothelial cells were exposed to a bare metal stent and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) 20 ng/mL. Migratory capacity (wound healing assay), proliferative capacity, and cell cycle analysis of the VSMCs were performed. RNAseq analysis of contractile vs. proliferative VSMCs was performed. Gene differential expression (DE), identification of new long non-coding RNA candidates (lncRNAs), gene ontology (GO), and pathway enrichment (KEGG) were analyzed. A competing endogenous RNA network was constructed, and significant lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA axes were selected. VSMCs exposed to “stent injury” conditions showed morphologic changes, with proliferative and migratory capacities progressing from G0-G1 cell cycle phase to S and G2-M. RNAseq analysis showed DE of 1099, 509 and 64 differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs, respectively. GO analysis of DE genes showed significant enrichment in collagen and extracellular matrix organization, regulation of smooth muscle cell proliferation, and collagen biosynthetic process. The main upregulated nodes in the lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network were PVT1 and HIF1-AS2, with downregulation of ACTA2-AS1 and MIR663AHG. The PVT1 ceRNA axis appears to be an attractive target for in-stent restenosis diagnosis and treatment.