Conclusion
miR-182-5p inhibits hypertrophic scar formation by decreasing the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts via SMAD4 pathway, and is expected to become a novel hypertrophic scar therapeutic target.
Methods
Hypertrophic scar-associated differential miRNAs were screened by analyzing sequencing data of normal skin and hypertrophic scar, and verified by RT-qPCR. Signaling pathways that may be influenced by differentially miRNAs were analyzed using KEGG and GO. miRNA mimics were used to explore the effects of miRNAs on SMAD signaling pathway proteins. Dual-luciferase assays were used to explore the targeted binding of miRNAs. The mimics of the miRNA were used to explore the impact of miRNAs on the proliferation, migration, apoptosis and collagen synthesis levels of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. The scar model of rabbit ear was used to verify the influence of miRNA on wound healing and scar formation in vivo.
Results
Expression of miR-182-5p was found to be considerably decreased in hypertrophic scars and fibroblasts. miR-182-5p was found to act mainly by targeting the 3'UTR region of SMAD4, but not SMAD1 or SMAD3. miR-182-5p overexpression may drastically suppress the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, accompanied by enhanced apoptosis and reduced collagen fiber synthesis. The overexpression of miR-182-5p in in vivo experiments could effectively inhibit hypertrophic scar formation without affecting the speed and quality of wound healing.