DDAH1-V3 transcript might act as miR-21 sponge to maintain balance of DDAH1-V1 in cultured HUVECs

Our results confirmed DDAH1 3′-UTR as a target for miR-21, and endogenous miR-21 showed increased inhibitory effect on DDAH1-V3 transcript. DDAH1 3′-UTR, especially for DDAH1-V3, may function as miR-21 sponge to regulate DDAH1 protein expression. Modulation of miR-21-DDAH1 interaction may provide a new approach for tackling cardiovascular diseases.