LncRNA PICSAR binds to miR-485-5p and activates TGF-β1/Smad to promote abnormal proliferation of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs) and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM)

The purpose of this study is to explore whether LncRNA PICSAR binds to miR-485-5p and thereby activates TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, influencing the abnormal proliferation of fibroblasts and excessive deposition of ECM in hypertrophic scar formation. PICSAR and miR-485-5p expressions were detected by qPCR. Cell proliferation was examined by CCK-8. Protein expressions were determined by western blot. Immunofluorescence detected the Ki-67 expression. Dual-luciferase followed by immunoprecipitation was performed to verify the interaction between PICSAR and miR-485-5p. Interference with PICSAR inhibited the abnormal proliferation of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs) and the excessive deposition of ECM. It was also confirmed in our study that MiR-485-5p is a direct target of PICSAR in HSFs. Additionally, inhibition of miR-485-5p reversed the effect of PICSAR knockdown in HSFs. LncRNA PICSAR binds to miR-485-5p and thereby activates TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, promoting the abnormal proliferation of fibroblasts and excessive deposition of ECM in hypertrophic scar formation.