Fig. 3

FOXC2-AS1 overexpression promotes phenotypic transition, proliferation, and migration of SV-SMCs. a The human SV-SMCs were isolated from normal human great saphenous vein, and then identified by α-SMA immunofluorescence. Scale bar: 25 μm. Red signals indicate α-SMA; blue signals indicate Hoechst 33,342-stained nuclei. b The FOXC2-AS1 overexpression vector and empty control were constructed and transfected into SV-SMCs. The overexpression efficiency was detected by qRT-PCR. c Western blot was performed to detect the levels of SM22α and OPN. d MTT was performed to assess cell proliferation. e Transwell migration assays were performed to assess cell migration. Scale bar: 200 μm. ^*p < 0.05, ^**p < 0.01 vs. Vector group