Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 20, 2025
In Vitro Model of Human Cutaneous Hypertrophic Scarring using Macromolecular Crowding
Published on: May 1, 2020
MicroRNA-365a/b-3p as a Potential Biomarker for Hypertrophic Scars
Joon Seok Lee1, Gyeong Hwa Kim2,3, Jong Ho Lee1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea.
Abstract:
The clinical aspects of hypertrophic scarring vary according to personal constitution and body part. However, the mechanism of hypertrophic scar (HS) formation remains unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to contribute to HS formation, however, their detailed role remains unknown. In this study, candidate miRNAs were identified and analyzed as biomarkers of hypertrophic scarring for future clinical applications. HSfibroblasts and normal skin fibroblasts from patients were used for profiling and validation of miRNAs. An HS mouse model with xenografted human skin on nude mice was established. The miRNA expression between normal human, normal mouse, and mouse HS skin tissues was compared. Circulating miRNA expression levels in the serum of normal mice and mice with HSs were also analyzed. Ten upregulated and twenty-one downregulated miRNAs were detected. Among these, miR-365a/b-3p and miR-16-5p were identified as candidate miRNAs with statistically significant differences; miR-365a/b-3p was significantly upregulated (p = 0.0244). In mouse studies, miR-365a/b-3p expression levels in skin tissue and serum were higher in mice with HSs than in the control group. These results indicate that miRNAs contribute to hypertrophic scarring and that miR-365a/b-3p may be considered a potential biomarker for HS formation.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in hypertrophic scar (HS) formation. This study identified miR-365a/b-3p as a potential biomarker for HS, showing increased levels in affected skin and serum.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hypertrophic scarring (HS) is a common clinical issue with unclear formation mechanisms.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in HS development, but their specific roles require elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and analyze candidate microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers for hypertrophic scarring (HS).
- To investigate the role of specific miRNAs in HS formation using both in vitro and in vivo models.
Main Methods:
- Profiling and validation of miRNAs using human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSfibroblasts) and normal skin fibroblasts.
- Establishment of an HS mouse model via xenografting human skin onto nude mice.
- Comparative analysis of miRNA expression in normal and HS skin tissues (human and mouse) and serum.
Main Results:
- Ten miRNAs were upregulated, and twenty-one were downregulated in hypertrophic scars.
- miR-365a/b-3p and miR-16-5p were identified as candidate biomarkers.
- miR-365a/b-3p showed significant upregulation (p=0.0244) and increased expression in HS skin tissue and serum in the mouse model.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertrophic scarring.
- miR-365a/b-3p emerges as a promising potential biomarker for the early detection and diagnosis of hypertrophic scarring.
