miR-125b acts as anti-fibrotic therapeutic target through regulating Gli3 in vivo and in vitro

Introduction and objectives: Liver fibrosis is a major characteristic of most chronic liver diseases which leads to accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Hedgehog (Hh) pathway activated by Gli genes participated in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. However, the regulatory role of miR-125b in liver fibrosis via targeting Gli genes remains unknown. Materials and methods: RT-qPCR and western blot were employed to the expression levels of mRNA and protein, respectively. The fibrosis level of liver tissue was determined by Masson's trichrome staining. The interaction between miR-125b and Gli3 was tested by luciferase reporter assay. In addition, LX2 cells were activated and CCl4-induced rat model was used in this study. Results: miR-125b was significantly declined in serum samples of the clinical liver fibrosis patient, activated LX2 cells and the liver tissues of the CCl4-induced rat model. Furthermore, in cellular level, the alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and Albumin expressions were ascending and descending in LX2 cells, respectively, with the decline of miR-125b. However, when transfecting with miR-125b mimic, the expressions of alpha-SMA and Albumin was reversed and Gli3 expression was notably repressed in LX2 cells. The target interaction between miR-125b and Gli3 was determined by dual-luciferase assays. It was further discovered that the changes of alpha-SMA, Albumin, and Gli3 were similar to the expression trend in LX2 cells with miR-125b mimic transfection. Conclusion: These results suggested that miR-125b might be protective against liver fibrosis via regulating Gli3 and it might be a promising target in the development of novel therapies to treat pathological fibrotic disorders. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. on behalf of Fundacion Clinica Whim Sur, A.C.