The microRNA-1278/SHP-1/STAT3 pathway is involved in airway smooth muscle cell proliferation in a model of severe asthma both intracellularly and extracellularly

This study investigated the regulatory effects of microRNA-1278 (miR-1278) on airway inflammation, airway reconstruction, and the proliferation and apoptosis of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) induced by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1). The results showed that miR-1278 was upregulated in the blood and lung tissues (LTs) of patients with asthma compared with that in healthy volunteers; miR-1278 expression was also upregulated in asthmatic mice, and miR-1278 inhibition improved the LTs of asthmatic mice. Moreover, miR-1278 inhibited inflammation in asthmatic mice and counteracted the effect of TGF-beta 1 of induced proliferation and reduced apoptosis in ASMCs. DLRA indicated that miR-1278 targeted the 3'-UTR of Src-homology 2-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP-1). Furthermore, miR-1278 promoted ASMC proliferation, in which TGF-beta 1 played an important role by regulating the SHP-1/STAT3 signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study showed that miR-1278 played a critical role in the processes of airway remodeling and reduction of apoptosis by targeting SHP-1.

Automated summary

This study investigated the regulatory effects of miR-1278 on airway inflammation, airway reconstruction, and the proliferation and apoptosis of ASMCs induced by TGF-beta 1. The results showed that miR-1278 was upregulated in asthma patients and asthmatic mice, and its inhibition improved asthmatic conditions. Moreover, miR-1278 inhibited inflammation and counteracted the effects of TGF-beta 1 on ASMCs. DLRA analysis revealed that miR-1278 targeted SHP-1, and it promoted ASMC proliferation through the SHP-1/STAT3 signaling pathway.