The Long Non-Coding RNA LncRNA8975-1 is Upregulated in Hypertrophic Scar Fibroblasts and Controls Collagen Expression

Background/aims: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are thought to play crucial roles in human diseases. However, the function of lncRNAs in hypertrophic scar formation remains poorly understood.

Methods: In this study, we investigated the expression of lncRNA8975-1 in hypertrophic scar tissues and fibroblasts by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). To investigate its function, overexpression and knockdown of lncRNA8975-1 were performed using lentivirus infection and Stealth RNAi transfection, respectively. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay. The protein levels of collagens and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were analysed by western blot.

Results: We found that lncRNA8975-1 was overexpressed in hypertrophic scar tissues and dermal fibroblasts. Overexpression of lncRNA8975-1 inhibited cell proliferation and reduced the protein expression levels of COL1A2, COL1A1, COL3A1 and α-SMA in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts, whereas knockdown of lncRNA8975-1 had the opposite effect.

Conclusion: Our results show that the long non-coding RNA lncRNA8975-1 is upregulated in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts; furthermore, it inhibits fibroblast proliferation and reduces collagen and α-SMA expression. Further studies on the mechanisms regulated by lncRNA8975-1 would lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of hypertrophic scar formation.