Fig. 2

RUNX2 is a direct target of miR-138-5p. A Prediction of the target gene for miR-138-5p by TargetScan, and subsequently validation by dual-luciferase reporter assay; B, C RT-qPCR-based detection (B) and western blot-based assessment (C) of RUNX2 expression in valve tissues of CAVD patients (calcified aortic valves) and controls (normal aortic valves); ***P < 0.001 versus Normal group. D, E RT-qPCR detection (D) and western blot assessment (E) of RUNX2 expression in human aortic valve interstitial cells; F Pearson analysis of RUNX2 and miR-138-5p expression. **P < 0.01 versus normal group; ^##P < 0.01 versus Calcified group; &P < 0.05 versus Calcified-NC group