Abstract: Objective In this study, the effects of microRNA on the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells were researched in order to illuminate the molecular mechanisms of microRNA in angiogenesis. Methods MicroRNA was blocked in endothelial cells and the changes of cell proliferation were detected with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Subsequently, microRNA was blocked or overexpressed in endothelial cells and the changes of cell phenotypes were detected with MTT assay, colony-forming test and migration assay. Results Consequence of MTT assay demonstrated that 7 microRNAs increased growth activity of endothelial cells. With suppression of miR-141, the endothelial cells proliferation, migration and the colony formation activity were both inhibited significantly. However, the changes of cell phenotypes were reversed when miR- 141 was overexpressed. Conclusion These results suggest that miR-141 promotes proliferation and migration of endothelial cells and increases angiogenesis.

Key words: MicroRNA, MiR-141, Endothelial cells, Angiogenesis