HSA-MicroRNA-210-3P regulates human dermal fibroblast cell proliferation and differentiation

Hsa-miR-210-3p is a key regulator of epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. We recently found hsa-miR-210-3p expression in dermal cells. In this study, the role of hsa-miR-210-3p was investigated in human dermal fibroblasts. Transfection experiments with hsa-miR-210-3p mimic and inhibitor were carried out in human dermal fibroblast cells (HDFa) to assess the microRNA function on cell proliferation, colony formation and migration abilities. The expression of hsa-miR-210-3p target genes (n=84) was evaluated by qPCR array in miR-overexpressed cells and compared to untransfected cells. Forced hsa-miR-210-3p expression in HDFa cells increased cell proliferation, colony formation and migration abilities, while the opposite effects were determined in miR-inhibited cells. HIF3A and CHN1 resulted as the most significantly downregulated target genes in HDFa cells overexpressing hsa-miR-210-3p, compared to untransfected cells. HIF3A is known to inhibit cell survival and proliferation as a negative response mechanism to hypoxia, while CHN1 positively regulates cell differentiation and inhibits cell migration. Enrichment analyses for biological processes on the entire set of differentially expressed target genes indicated the downregulation of positive regulators of cell differentiation, maturation and axonogenesis in HDFa overexpressing hsa-miR- 2103p, compared to untransfected cells. These results indicate that hsa-miR-210-3p is a regulator of cell proliferation and differentiation, independently of the cell type, epithelial or fibroblast. The hsamiR210-3p activity may be used in RNA-based therapies of different dermatological diseases to restore skin layers.