MicroRNA-192 regulates hypertrophic scar fibrosis by targeting SIP1

Emerging roles of non-coding RNAs in fibroblast to myofibroblast transition and fibrotic diseases

The transition of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts (FMT) represents a pivotal process in wound healing, tissue repair, and fibrotic diseases. This intricate transformation involves dynamic changes in cellular morphology, gene expression, and extracellular matrix remodeling. While extensively studied at the molecular level, recent research has illuminated the regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in orchestrating FMT. This review explores the emerging roles of ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), in regulating this intricate process. NcRNAs interface with key signaling pathways, transcription factors, and epigenetic mechanisms to fine-tune gene expression during FMT. Their functions are critical in maintaining tissue homeostasis, and disruptions in these regulatory networks have been linked to pathological fibrosis across various tissues. Understanding the dynamic roles of ncRNAs in FMT bears therapeutic promise. Targeting specific ncRNAs holds potential to mitigate exaggerated myofibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis. However, challenges in delivery and specificity of ncRNA-based therapies remain. In summary, ncRNAs emerge as integral regulators in the symphony of FMT, orchestrating the balance between quiescent fibroblasts and activated myofibroblasts. As research advances, these ncRNAs appear to be prospects for innovative therapeutic strategies, offering hope in taming the complexities of fibrosis and restoring tissue equilibrium.

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes inhibits fibrosis in human endometrial stromal cells via miR-140-3p/FOXP1/Smad axis

Endometrial fibrosis is the histologic appearance of intrauterine adhesion (IUA). Emerging evidences demonstrated umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (UCMSC-exo) could alleviate endometrial fibrosis. But the specific mechanism is not clear. In this study, we explored the effect of UCMSC-exo on endometrial fibrosis, and investigated the possible role of miR-140-3p/FOXP1/Smad axis in anti-fibrotic properties of UCMSC-exo. UCMSC-exo were isolated and identified. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) was used to induce human endometrial stromal cell (HESC) fibrosis. Dual luciferase assay was performed to verify the relationship between miR-140-3p and FOXP1. The expressions of fibrotic markers, SIP1, and p-Smad2/p-Smad3 in HESCs stimulated with UCMSC-exo were detected by western blot. In addition, the effects of miR-140-3p mimic, miR-140-3p inhibitor and FOXP1 over-expression on endometrial fibrosis were assessed. The isolated UCMSC-exo had a typical cup-shaped morphology and could be internalized into HESCs. The expressions of fibrotic markers were significantly increased by TGF-β, which was reversed by UCMSC-exo. MiR-140-3p in UCMSC-exo ameliorated TGf-β-induced HESCs fibrosis. FOXP1 was identified as the direct target of miR-140-3p, which could inversely regulate miR-140-3p's function on HESCs fibrosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR-140-3p in UCMSC-exo regulated Smad signal pathway to exert the anti-fibrotic effect in HESCs. The anti-fibrotic effect of UCMSC-derived exosomes against HESC fibrosis was at least partially achieved by miR-140-3p/FOXP1/Smad axis.

Noncoding RNAs: Master Regulator of Fibroblast to Myofibroblast Transition in Fibrosis

Myofibroblasts escape apoptosis and proliferate abnormally under pathological conditions, especially fibrosis; they synthesize and secrete a large amount of extracellular matrix (ECM), such as α-SMA and collagen, which leads to the distortion of organ parenchyma structure, an imbalance in collagen deposition and degradation, and the replacement of parenchymal cells by fibrous connective tissues. Fibroblast to myofibroblast transition (FMT) is considered to be the main source of myofibroblasts. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the influencing factors regulating the process of FMT for the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of FMT-related diseases. In recent years, non-coding RNAs, including microRNA, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, have attracted extensive attention from scientists due to their powerful regulatory functions, and they have been found to play a vital role in regulating FMT. In this review, we summarized ncRNAs which regulate FMT during fibrosis and found that they mainly regulated signaling pathways, including TGF-β/Smad, MAPK/P38/ERK/JNK, PI3K/AKT, and WNT/β-catenin. Furthermore, the expression of downstream transcription factors can be promoted or inhibited, indicating that ncRNAs have the potential to be a new therapeutic target for FMT-related diseases.

Is the future scarless? - Fibroblasts as targets for scarless wound healing: a narrative review

Introduction: Scarless healing is the ideal outcome of wound healing and is exhibited in some species. This narrative review assembles the current understanding of fibroblast heterogenicity along with the latest fibroblast-related targets for scar reduction therapies. Human regenerative wound healing is deemed possible due to the wound regeneration already seen in the early gestation foetus. Methods: This literature narrative review was undertaken by searching PubMed and Web of Science databases and Google Scholar to find articles concerning the fibroblast involvement in wound healing. We evaluated and collated these articles to form a consensus of the current understanding of the field. Discussion: This article describes current understanding of fibroblast heterogenicity and involvement in wound healing, focusing on the role of fibroblasts during physiological scarring. We also present the current most promising targets involving fibroblasts in the reduction of scarring and how we can manipulate the behaviour of fibroblasts to mimic the wound regeneration models in the human foetus. These targets include the pro-fibrotic EN1 positive fibroblast lineage, TGFβ1 inhibition, and genetic therapies utilising miRNAs and siRNAs. Conclusion: No therapies are currently available to eradicate scarring; however, treatment options are available to reduce the appearance of scarring. Further research into the heterogenicity and interactions of fibroblasts in both the foetus and adult is needed, and this may lead to the development of novel treatments against scarring.

MicroRNAs in organ fibrosis: From molecular mechanisms to potential therapeutic targets

Fibrosis is caused by chronic tissue injury and characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) that ultimately results in organ failure and death. Owing to lacking of effective treatment against tissue fibrosis, it causes a high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Thus, it is of great importance to find an effective therapy strategy for the treatment of fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in many biological processes by targeting downstream genes. Numerous studies demonstrated that miRNAs served as biomarkers of various diseases, suggesting the potential therapeutic targets for diseases. It was recently reported that miRNAs played an important role in the development of organ fibrosis, which showed a promising prospect against fibrosis by targeting intervention. Here, we summarize the roles of miRNAs in the process of organ fibrosis, including liver, lung, heart and kidney, and highlight miRNAs being novel therapeutic targets for organ fibrosis.

Evaluating the Effect of Integra Seeded with Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells or Fibroblasts in Wound Healing

BACKGROUND

Extensive loss of skin in burn patients can have devastating consequences, both physically and mentally. Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) and fibroblasts are known to play significant roles in the process of wound healing. Recently, bioengineered skin has been considered for wound healing purposes.

METHODS

Investigate the effect of Integra seeded with ADSCs, fibroblasts, or both on wound healing.

RESULTS

We found that when Integra is seeded with ADSCs and fibroblasts, both types of cells incorporate and proliferate, the phenomenon becoming more robust when the cells are co-cultured on Integra, both in vitro; and in vivo;. In addition, when these cells are seeded on Integra, they stimulate epithelization with no signs of inflammation and skin necrosis being observed when transplanted on animals for 7 days.

CONCLUSION

ADSCs and fibroblasts seeded on Integra could decrease the number of α-SMA positive myofibroblasts, leading to scarless wound healing. The evidence from this study is strongly supportive that Integra seeded with ADSCs and fibroblasts is an appropriate and effective bioengineered skin for wound healing.

MiR-210-5p regulates STAT3 activation by targeting STAT5A in the differentiation of dermal fibroblasts

Elucidating the molecular mechanism of the microRNAs in skin fibrosis is critical for identifying a novel therapeutic strategy for hypertrophic scar (HS). In this study, it was shown that miR-210-5p is induced by TGFβ, and that overexpression of miR-210-5p promoted the differentiation of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) into myofibroblasts. STAT5A is required for TGFβ-induced STAT3 activity. Here, we show that miR-210-5p attenuated TGFβ-induced STAT3 signaling pathway by suppressing the expression of STAT5A. Taken together, the present study suggests that TGFβ-induced miR-210-5p reduced STAT5A expression, leading to aberrant activation of STAT3, and facilitate skin fibrosis in HDFs.

Advances in scarless foetal wound healing and prospects for scar reduction in adults

Healing after mammalian skin injury involves the interaction between numerous cellular constituents and regulatory factors, which together form three overlapping phases: an inflammatory response, a proliferation phase and a remodelling phase. Any slight variation in these three stages can substantially alter the healing process and resultant production of scars. Of particular significance are the mechanisms responsible for the scar‐free phenomenon observed in the foetus. Uncovering such mechanisms would offer great expectations in the treatment of scars and therefore represents an important area of investigation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of studies on injury‐induced skin regeneration within the foetus. The information contained in these studies provides an opportunity for new insights into the treatment of clinical scars based on the cellular and molecular processes involved.

MicroRNA-769-3p inhibits tumor progression in glioma by suppressing ZEB2 and inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Accumulating evidence suggests the crucial role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in human cancers. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical and functional roles of miR-769-3p in glioma, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to determine the expression levels of miR-769-3p in glioma tissues and cells. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to calculate the diagnostic value of miR-769-3p. The 5-year survival rate of patients was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis. Cell experiments were used to investigate the functional role of miR-769-3p in glioma. The gene target of miR-769-3p was predicted by TargetScan. Changes in the levels of Wnt signaling-related proteins were measured by western blotting. miR-769-3p was significantly downregulated in glioma tissues and serum, as well as in glioma cell lines (P<0.001). miR-769-3p expression was significantly associated with the World Health Organization grade and Karnofsky performance score. The ROC curves demonstrated that serum miR-769-3p level reliably distinguished patients with glioma from healthy individuals. High tissue miR-769-3p expression predicted poor overall survival in patients with glioma (log-rank P=0.001) and was identified as an independent prognostic factor. In addition, zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) was demonstrated to be a direct target of miR-769-3p in glioma cells using a luciferase assay. miR-769-3p upregulation suppressed the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in glioma cells. In conclusion, miR-769-3p may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in patients with glioma and target ZEB2 to inhibit tumor progression via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. miR-769-3p may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma.

Smad interacting protein 1 influences transforming growth factor-β1/Smad signaling in extracellular matrix protein production and hypertrophic scar formation

The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad signal transduction pathway is closely associated with hypertrophic scar (HS) formation. Smad interacting protein 1 (SIP1) is a cytoplasmic protein that efficiently regulates Smad2-/3-dependent signaling within the TGF-β₁ pathway. SIP1 influences collagen synthesis in the HS through a heretofore unknown mechanism. This study investigated the role of the SIP1-mediated TGF-β₁/Smad signaling pathway in extracellular matrix (ECM) protein production and hypertrophic scarring. SIP1 expression was markedly lower in HS vs. normal skin (NS) tissue, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) content and collagen I/III (Col I/III) synthesis were inversely correlated with SIP1 expression. Furthermore, SIP1 inhibited Smad2/3 phosphorylation in vitro, and improved the collagen-based architecture of the scar while reducing collagen expression and overall scar formation in a rabbit ear model of HS. Based on these findings, we propose that SIP1 acts as a molecular modulator capable of altering Smad2-/3-facilitated signaling through the control of Smad phosphorylation, thus inhibiting α-SMA and collagen upregulation in fibroblasts and, ultimately, HS formation. The low SIP1 content in scar tissue also suggests that SIP1 (and positive regulation thereof) is a prospective target for selective HS drug therapy.

The crucial role of ZEB2: From development to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer complexity

Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) is a DNA-binding transcription factor, which is mainly involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a conserved process during which mature and adherent epithelial-like state is converted into a mobile mesenchymal state. Emerging data indicate that ZEB2 plays a pivotal role in EMT-induced processes such as development, differentiation, and malignant mechanisms, for example, drug resistance, cancer stem cell-like traits, apoptosis, survival, cell cycle arrest, tumor recurrence, and metastasis. In this regard, the understanding of mentioned subjects in the development of normal and cancerous cells could be helpful in cancer complexity of diagnosis and therapy. In this study, we review recent findings about the biological properties of ZEB2 in healthy and cancerous states to find new approaches for cancer treatment.

Laser fluorescence spectroscopy and optical tissue oximetry in the diagnosis of skin fibrosis

There are currently no effective measures to combat fibrosis in modern medical practice. One of the reasons for that is the late diagnosis associated with the lack of available clinical biomarkers and effective methods of non-invasive detection of the process. Fibrosis of the skin is characterized by fibrosis of the dermis, underlying tissues and is represented by a wide range of nosologies. Scleroderma and scars are of the greatest interest for the study. Skin changes in the development of bleomycin-induced fibrosis was studied in the experimental model using laser fluorescence spectroscopy and optical tissue oximetry. A significant increase in the rates of endogenous fluorescence of porphyrins, caused by inflammation and hypoxia, was detected at 7 and 21 days. An increased intensity of endogenous collagen fluorescence and a decreased specific oxygen uptake due to excess accumulation of the extracellular matrix were recorded on the 21st day after bleomycin treatment. Synchronous measurements of the collagen fluorescence and the specific oxygen uptake allowed to correlate the obtained data and the phases of the fibrogenic response described morphologically. The results allow to judge the severity of inflammation and hypoxia in the process of the fibrosis development. The objective and quantitative nature of the recorded parameters makes it possible to develop criteria for diagnosing the phases of fibrosis development.

miR-155 inhibits the formation of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts by targeting HIF-1α via PI3K/AKT pathway

Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a serious skin fibrotic disease characterized by the excessive proliferation of fibroblasts and often considered as a kind of benign skin tumor. microRNA-155 (miR-155) is usually served as a promising marker in antitumor therapy. In view of the similarities of hypertrophic scar and tumor, it is predicted that miR-155 may be a novel therapeutic target in clinical trials. Here we found the expression levels of miR-155 was gradually down regulated and HIF-1α was upregulated in HS tissue and HS derived fibroblasts (HFs). And cell proliferation was inhibited when miR-155 was overexpressed or HIF-1α was silenced. Moreover, overexpression of miR-155 in HFs could reduce the expression of collagens in vitro and inhibit the collagen fibers arrangement in vivo, whereas miR-155 knockdown gave opposite results. Furthermore, we found that miR-155 directly targeted the HIF-1α, which could also independently inhibit the expression of collagens in vitro and obviously improved the appearance and architecture of the rabbit ear scar in vivo when it was silencing. Finally, we found that PI3K/AKT pathway was enrolled in these processes. Together, our results indicated that miR-155 was a critical regulator in the formation and development of hypertrophic scar and might be a potential molecular target for hypertrophic scar therapy.

Acute downregulation of miR-155 leads to a reduced collagen synthesis through attenuating macrophages inflammatory factor secretion by targeting SHIP1

Fibrosis, tightly associated with fibroblasts collagen synthesis, is related closely with inflammatory response. Our previously study found that acute downregulation of miR-155 at wound sites leads to a reduced fibrosis, however its particular mechanism is unclear. Herein, we aimed to explore the mechanism of miR-155 in reducing fibrosis. We first found that down-regulation of miR-155 inhibited macrophages transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and IL-1β secretion. Next, we found that co-cultured with macrophages increased the proliferation and collagen synthesis of fibroblasts, and downregulation of miR-155 in macrophages could effectively attenuate the accelerative effects. We further identified SH2 domain containing inositol-5-phosphatase 1 (SHIP1) as a direct target of miR-155 in macrophages, and the expression of SHIP1 was negatively correlated with the level of miR-155. We further confirmed that PI3K/Akt pathway was involved in this process. Last, we found that downregulation of miR-155 leads to a reduced fibrosis in sever burn rat. Taken together, these results indicate that down-regulation of miR-155 leads to a reduced fibroblasts proliferation and collagen synthesis through attenuating macrophages TGF-β1 and IL-1β secretion by targeting SHIP1 via PI3K/Akt pathway, suggesting its potential therapeutic effects on the treatment of skin fibrosis.