Yonsei Med J.  2021 Aug;62(8):726-733. 10.3349/ymj.2021.62.8.726.

MicroRNA-139-5p Regulates Fibrotic Potentials via Modulation of Collagen Type 1 and Phosphorylated p38 MAPK in Uterine Leiomyoma

• Ahn SH
• Kim H
• Lee I
• Lee JH
• Cho S
• Choi YS

• KMID: 2518570
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2021.62.8.726

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to elucidate whether microRNA-139-5p is involved in the pathogenesis of uterine leiomyoma.
Materials and Methods
Human leiomyoma and matched human smooth muscle samples were obtained from 10 women who underwent hysterectomy for uterine leiomyoma. MicroRNA (miRNA) expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. To assess the effects of miR-139-5p on cultured leiomyoma cells, cell migration, collagen gel contraction, wound healing, and the expression levels of hallmark proteins were evaluated in cells transfected with a miR-139-5p mimic.
Results
The expression of miR-139-5p was significantly lower in leiomyoma tissues than in matched smooth muscle tissues. Restored miR-139-5p expression in miR-139-5p mimic-transfected human leiomyoma cells resulted in decreased contractility of the ECM and cell migration. In addition, upregulation of miR-139-5p decreased the protein expression of collagen type 1 and phosphorylated p38 MAPK.
Conclusion
Expression of miR-139-5p is downregulated in leiomyoma cells and modulation of miR-139-5p may be involved in the pathogenesis of leiomyomas through the regulation of collagen type 1 and phosphorylated p38 MAPK. Therefore, miR-139-5p is a potential therapeutic target for leiomyoma.

Keyword

MiR-139-5p; uterine leiomyoma; extracellular matrix; fibrosis