Liver fibrosis interferes with normal liver function and facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, representing a major threat to human health. Here, we present a comprehensive perspective of microRNA (miRNA) function on targeting the fibrotic microenvironment. Starting from a murine HCC model, we identify a miRNA network composed of 8 miRNA hubs and 54 target genes. We show that let-7, miR-30, miR-29c, miR-335, and miR-338 (collectively termed antifibrotic microRNAs [AF-miRNAs]) down-regulate key structural, signaling, and remodeling components of the extracellular matrix. During fibrogenic transition, these miRNAs are transcriptionally regulated by the transcription factor Pparγ and thus we identify a role of Pparγ as regulator of a functionally related class of AF-miRNAs. The miRNA network is active in human HCC, breast, and lung carcinomas, as well as in 2 independent mouse liver fibrosis models. Therefore, we identify a miRNA:mRNA network that contributes to formation of fibrosis in tumorous and nontumorous organs of mice and humans.

Airway inflammation and remodeling are characteristic features of asthma, with both contributing to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and lung function limitation. Airway smooth muscle (ASM) accumulation and extracellular matrix deposition are characteristic features of airway remodeling, which may contribute to persistent AHR. Laminins containing the α2-chain contribute to characteristics of ASM remodeling in vitro and AHR in animal models of asthma. The role of other laminin chains, including the laminin α4 and α5 chains, which contribute to leukocyte migration in other diseases, is currently unknown. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of these laminin chains in ASM function and in AHR, remodeling, and inflammation in asthma. Expression of both laminin α4 and α5 was observed in the human and mouse ASM bundle. In vitro, laminin α4 was found to promote a pro-proliferative, pro-contractile, and pro-fibrotic ASM cell phenotype. In line with this, treatment with laminin α4 and α5 function-blocking antibodies reduced allergen-induced increases in ASM mass in a mouse model of allergen-induced asthma. Moreover, eosinophilic inflammation was reduced by the laminin α4 function-blocking antibody as well. Using airway biopsies from healthy subjects and asthmatic patients, we found inverse correlations between ASM α4-chain expression and lung function and AHR, whereas eosinophil numbers correlated positively with expression of laminin α4 in the ASM bundle. This study, for the first time, indicates a prominent role for laminin α4 in ASM function and in inflammation, AHR, and remodeling in asthma, whereas the role of laminin α5 is more subtle.