miR-199a-5p inhibits proliferation and migration of burn-denatured fibroblasts by targeting VEGFA in burn patients

Abstract Objectives The skin altered by burn injury has the capacity to revert to its normal function and structure. Nonetheless, the exact mechanism behind this restoration remains unclear. This study was to examine the function of miR-199a-5p in the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts affected by burn injury. Methods The miR-199a-5p expression was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The proliferation and migration capacity of human skin fibroblast (HSF) cells were measured by CCK-8 and Transwell assay. The protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinases (p-PI3K), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT), and phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS) were assessed via western blot assay. Results The miR-199a-5p levels were decreased in individuals with burn injuries as well as in burn-denatured HSF cells, at the same time, there was an increase in the VEGFA mRNA levels. miR-199a-5p negatively regulated VEGFA, which in turn suppressed the migration and proliferation of HSF cells. Additionally, miR-199a-5p inhibited the PI3K/AKT/eNOS signaling pathway through the regulation of VEGFA. Conclusions miR-199a-5p regulates proliferation and migration of burn degenerated fibroblasts by targeting VEGFA.