Identification and functional analysis of a three-miRNA ceRNA network in hypertrophic scars

Abstract

Background Hypertrophic scar (HTS) is a fibrotic disorder of skins and may have repercussions on the appearance as well as functions of patients. Recent studies related have shown that competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks centering around miRNAs may play an influential role in HTS formation. This study aimed to construct and validate a three-miRNA (miR-422a, miR-2116-3p, and miR-3187-3p) ceRNA network, and explore its potential functions. Methods Quantitative real‑time PCR (qRT‑PCR) was used to compare expression levels of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and genes between HTS and normal skin. Target lncRNAs and genes of each miRNA were predicted using starBase as well as TargetScan database to construct a distinct ceRNA network; overlapping target lncRNAs and genes of the three miRNAs were utilized to develop a three-miRNA ceRNA network. For every network, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was performed to identify its hub genes. For each network and its hub genes, Gene Oncology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were conducted to explore their possible functions. Results MiR-422a, miR-2116-3p, and miR-3187-3p were all downregulated in HTS tissues and fibroblasts. MiR-422a-based ceRNA network consisted of 101 lncRNAs with 133 genes; miR-2116-3p-centered ceRNA network comprised 85 lncRNAs and 978 genes; miR-3187-3p-derived ceRNA network encompassed 84 lncRNAs as well as 1128 genes. The three-miRNA ceRNA network included 2 lncRNAs with 9 genes, where MAPK1, FOSL2, ABI2, KPNA6, CBL, lncRNA-KCNQ1OT1, and lncRNA-EBLN3P were upregulated. According to GO and KEGG analysis, these networks were consistently related to ubiquitination. Three ubiquitination-related genes (CBL, SMURF2, and USP4) were upregulated and negatively correlated with the expression levels of the three miRNAs in HTS tissues. Conclusions This study identified a three-miRNA ceRNA network, which might take part in HTS formation and correlate with ubiquitination.

Exosome Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviates Pathological Scars by Inhibiting the Proliferation, Migration and Protein Expression of Fibroblasts via Delivering miR-138-5p to Target SIRT1

“…Moreover, therapies using miRNAs are promising means of regulating the gene expression involved in wound healing and scar formation. [56][57][58] miRNAs could also exert their work as a modification to MSCs or MSC-Exo, reducing excessive scar formation. As previous studies introduced, the MSCs or MSC-Exo modified by miR-181-5p, miR-29a, miR-146a, miR-21, miR-146a-5p, etc.…”

Correction to: Identification and functional analysis of a three-miRNA ceRNA network in hypertrophic scars

“…In the original publication [ 1 ], there was an incorrect funding section. The incorrect and correct funding information is published in this correction article.…”

“…Author details 1 Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China. 2 Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.…”