Long non-coding RNA HOXA11-AS induces type I collagen synthesis to stimulate keloid formation via sponging miR-124-3p and activation of Smad5 signaling

摘要

Keloid, characterized by exuberant collagen deposition and invasive growth beyond original wound margins, results from abnormal wound healing. A recent microarray analysis identified homeobox (HOX) All antisense (HOXAII-AS) as a keloid-specific long non-coding RNA, although its potential role in keloid formation remains elusive. In this study, hematoxylin-eosin, Masson, and immunohistochemical staining of type I collagen (Coll) revealed abnormal arrangement and hyperplasia of fibers in keloid tissues along with increased Coll level. qRT-PCR and Western blot showed that HOXA11-AS and Coll were significantly upregulated, while miR-124-3p was decreased in both keloid tissues and human keloid fibroblasts (HKFs). Knockdown of HOXA11-AS inhibited cell proliferation (by CCK-8 and immunoflu-orescence staining of Ki67) and cell migration (by wound healing and transwell assays).