Objective: To investigate the effect of miR-23a-3p on the activation of human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) and to explore its related mechanisms. Methods: The expression levels of miR-23a-3p and PTEN genes and proteins such as α-SMA and collagen I were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay and immunoprotein blotting (Western Blot); LX-2 cell lines overexpressing miR-23a-3p and PTEN were constructed by transfection; and the CCK-8 assay to detect the effect of miR-23a-3p on the proliferation of LX-2 cells; screening of possible targets of miR-23a-3p by multiple databases; and detection of the binding of miR-23a-3p and the target targets by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Results: Overexpression of miR-23a-3p significantly promoted LX-2 cell proliferation and expression of α-SMA and collagen I proteins compared with normal LX-2 cells. miR-23a-3p could target PTEN and inhibit its expression. Overexpression of PTEN reversed the effects of miR-23a-3p on LX-2 cell proliferation and α-SMA and collagen I protein expression. miR-23a-3p promoted TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR, while overexpression of PTEN inhibited miR-23a-3p-induced phosphorylation. Conclusion: miR-23a-3p promotes hepatic stellate cell activation by regulating PTEN, thereby modulating liver fibrosis.
LI Naishu
,
CHEN Zhengmin
,
YAO Chao
,
SUN Fadi
,
XU Zhaolong
. miR-23a-3p promotes hepatic stellate cell activation through PTEN to regulate liver fibrosis[J]. Journal of Baotou Medical College, 2025
, 41(9)
: 50
-55
.
DOI: 10.16833/j.cnki.jbmc.2025.09.008
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