Figure 5. p53 is an upstream signaling molecule that is responsible for the up-regulation of miR-34a in both HIV-Tat protein and antiretroviral agents-treated ECs and vessels. The expression of p53 was increased in ECs treated with Tat1-101 or lopinavir/ritonavir (A and B). The expression of p53 was also increased in vascular walls and their ECs from HIV-1 Tat transgenic mice (C and D) and from mice with antiretroviral therapy in vivo (E and F). The expression of miR-34a was decreased by p53 knockdown, but was increased by p53 over expression (G). Note: n=6; *p<0.05 compared with control groups.