Fig. 7

CXCL12 is predicted to be a direct target of miR166a-3p. A Venn diagrams were used to analyse the intersection of target genes of miRNAs in CDNVs and genes in the PPI network. B qPCR assays were conducted to measure the mRNA levels of CXCL12, CRP, and FGF1 in HUVECs, and the results were quantified and normalized to GAPDH. C A schematic description of the hypothesized duplexes formed by interactions between the 3’UTR of human CXCL12 and miR166a-3p is shown, with the predicted maximum free energy (MFE) of the hybrid indicated. A CXCL12-MUT plasmid was constructed, and the mutated nucleotides are shown in red. D Dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were performed to confirm the interaction between miR166a-3p and CXCL12. E qPCR assays were conducted to measure the mRNA levels of CXCL12 in HUVECs, and the results were quantified and normalized to GAPDH. F Western blot assays were conducted to measure the protein expression levels of CXCL12 in HUVECs, and the results were quantified and normalized to GAPDH. G Quantification of the protein expression levels of CXCL12 in HUVECs, as normalized to GAPDH, is shown. The results represent three independent experiments (n = 3). Data represent means ± SD. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001