LINC00937 suppresses keloid fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition by targeting the miR-28-5p/MC1R axis

Histol Histopathol. 2021 Sep;36(9):995-1005. doi: 10.14670/HH-18-372. Epub 2021 Aug 23.

Abstract

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are the most recently discovered class of noncoding RNAs. LncRNAs play a crucial role in multiple disorders. However, the role and mechanism of action of lncRNAs in keloids remain unclear. Here, qRT-PCR and western blotting assays were performed to determine the expression of genes and proteins, respectively. MTT assays were carried out to measure the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts. In addition, a luciferase activity assay was conducted to investigate the relationships between LINC00937 and miR-28-5p and between miR-28-5p and MC1R. The results showed that LINC00937 and MC1R were decreased, whereas miR-28-5p was increased in keloid tissues. LINC00937 overexpression in keloid fibroblasts could repress the extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and cell proliferation and promote MC1R expression. Moreover, high expression of miR-28-5p and low expression of LINC00937 were detected in keloid fibroblasts. We further showed that LINC00937 promoted MC1R expression by sponging miR-28-5p. Finally, our data indicated that LINC00937 inhibited the ECM deposition and proliferation of keloid fibroblasts by inhibiting miR-28-5p and facilitating MC1R expression. Overall, LINC00937 suppressed the ECM deposition and proliferation of keloid fibroblasts by acting as an miR-28-5p sponge and promoting MC1R expression. Our data suggested that LINC00937 is a potential target for keloid treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cell Proliferation*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Extracellular Matrix / genetics
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism*
  • Extracellular Matrix / pathology
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism*
  • Fibroblasts / pathology
  • Humans
  • Keloid / genetics
  • Keloid / metabolism*
  • Keloid / pathology
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Middle Aged
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / metabolism*
  • Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1 / genetics
  • Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1 / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Skin / metabolism*
  • Skin / pathology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • MC1R protein, human
  • MIRN28 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1