Role of microRNAs in Hepatic Stellate Cells and Hepatic Fibrosis: An Update

Abstract

: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate the expression of targets genes by binding to the 3′-untranslated regions. They play vital roles in diverse biological processes, including the development of hepatic fibrosis (HF). HF is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are considered a major cell type for producing ECM. Alteration of the HSC phenotype plays a crucial role in the HF pathological process. miRNAs involved in various biological process, such as differentiation, apoptosis, migration, and their relevant signaling pathways, are expressed in HSCs; however, emerging evidence indicates that numerous miRNAs are abnormally expressed in activated HSCs. In this review, we summarize the categorization of miRNAs in HF and describe the relationships among them. We also discuss miRNAs recently discovered to be related to HF, and attempt to find potential miRNAs that may serve as novel biomarkers for use in HF treatment.

Circular RNA circUbe2k promotes hepatic fibrosis via sponging miR‐149‐5p/TGF‐β2 axis

“…22 In recent years, our group had committed ourselves to exploring the relationship between the ncRNAs and HF for a long time. 23 We found that miR-NA-203 play a part in liver injury and inflammation, 24 while miRNA-200a acts as a regulator in the initiation of HF. 25 Furthermore, we have explored the regulatory mechanism of circRNA in the formation and reversal of HF, like circular RNA circFBXW4 can target the miR-18b-3p/FBXW7 axis to suppress HF.…”

“…For example, circular RNA circCCDC9 can act as a miR‐6792‐3p sponge to suppress the progression of gastric cancer through regulating CAV1 expression 22 . In recent years, our group had committed ourselves to exploring the relationship between the ncRNAs and HF for a long time 23 . We found that miRNA‐203 play a part in liver injury and inflammation, 24 while miRNA‐200a acts as a regulator in the initiation of HF 25 .…”

The effects of nicotine on microRNA-124 expression in the bile duct ligation- induced liver fibrosis in rats

“…Undoubtedly, knowing the exact mechanism of this damage can be effective in treating and reducing the liver complications of people with liver brosis. Many studies emphasize the pivotal role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of liver brosis, and therapeutic approaches based on restoring the expression of altered miRNAs are introduced as new methods of treating liver brosis [40,41]. One of the important miRNAs that anti-in ammatory activities are shown in previous studies is miRNA-124.…”

Cell type‐specific actions of thyroid hormones in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis

“…One would assume that development of rational therapeutic concepts targeting TRα for the treatment of chronic liver disease requires cell type‐specific or liver‐directed strategies to modulate TH metabolism locally and avoiding systemic side effects. In this context, advancements in innovative drug delivery systems or micro‐RNA‐based approaches open promising perspectives 11,16,17 …”

“…In this context, advancements in innovative drug delivery systems or micro-RNA-based approaches open promising perspectives. 11,16,17 Liver fibrogenesis is a highly dynamic process of aberrant wound-healing and scar tissue formation, which is in principle reversible at early fibrosis stages and even cirrhotic states depending on the disease aetiology. 1,18 Interestingly, in the current issue of Liver International Dr. Manka and coworkers not only identified an upregulation of fibrosis-related genes in TRα −/− MEFs but also observed TGFβ induced migration and increased aberrant wound-healing responses.…”