Effects of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to type I collagen gene on hypertrophic scars in the transplanted nude mouse model

Microneedle-Mediated Biomimetic Cyclodextrin Metal Organic Frameworks for Active Targeting and Treatment of Hypertrophic Scars

Due to the lack of a delivery system that actively targets hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs), it is difficult to concentrate the effects of drugs on hypertrophic scars (HSs). We recently discovered that the HSF membrane has a homologous targeting effect and developed an active targeted drug delivery system for the local treatment of HSs. A diphenyl carbonate cross-linked cyclodextrin metal organic framework (CDF) containing more than 26% (w/w) quercetin (QUE) was coated with a HSF membrane (QUE@HSF/CDF) and then dispersed in Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP)-fabricated dissolvable microneedles (BSP-MNs-QUE@HSF/CDF) for local administration. This biomimetic nanodrug delivery system improved efficacy on HSs by regulating Wnt/β-catenin and JAK2/STAT3 pathways and reducing the expression of collagens I and III in HS, and this performance was superior to those of systems without HSF functionalization or the assistance of microneedles. Additionally, we found that BSP has synergistic effects and the microneedles have higher mechanical strength and better physical stability than microneedles made of hyaluronic acid. This currently designed drug delivery strategy integrating biomimetic nanoparticles and dissolvable microneedles is promising for applications in the fields of skin disease treatment and cosmetics.

MicroRNA-98 inhibits the cell proliferation of human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts via targeting Col1A1

Background

Hypertrophic scarring (HS) is a severe disease, and results from unusual wound healing. Col1A1 could promote the hypertrophic scar formation, and the expression of Col1A1 in HS tissue was markedly higher than that in the normal. In present study, we aimed to identify miRNAs as post-transcriptional regulators of Col1A1 in HS.

Methods

MicroRNA-98 was selected as the key miRNA comprised in HS. The mRNA levels of miR-98 in HS tissues and the matched normal skin tissues were determined by qRT-PCR. MTT and flow cytometry were used to determine the influence of miR-98 on cell proliferation and apoptosis of HSFBs, respectively. Col1A1 was found to be the target gene of miR-98 using luciferase reporter assay. Luciferase assay was performed to determine the relative luciferase activity in mimic NC, miR-98 mimic, inhibitor NC and miR-98 inhibitor with Col1A13′-UTR wt or Col1A13′-UTR mt reporter plasmids. The protein expression of Col1A1 in HSFBs after transfection with mimic NC, miR-98 mimic, inhibitor NC and miR-98 inhibitor were determined by western blotting.

Results

The mRNA level of miR-98 in HS tissues was much higher than that in the control. Transfection of HSFBs with a miR-98 mimic reduced the cell viability of HSFBs and increased the apoptosis portion of HSFBs, while inhibition of miR-98 increased cell viability and decreased apoptosis portion of HSFBs. miR-98 inhibitor increased the relative luciferase activity significantly when cotransfected with the Col1A1-UTR reporter plasmid, while the mutant reporter plasmid abolished the miR-98 inhibitor-mediated increase in luciferase activity. Western blotting revealed that overexpression of miR-98 decreased the expression of Col1A1.

Conclusions

Overexpression of miR-98 repressed the proliferation of HSFBs by targeting Col1A1.