Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2019, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (9): 1651-1656.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.255996

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Novel miRNA, miR-sc14, promotes Schwann cell proliferation and migration

Xi-Meng Ji 1, 2 , Shan-Shan Wang 1, 3 , Xiao-Dong Cai 1 , Xing-Hui Wang 1 , Qian-Yan Liu 1 , Pan Wang 1 , Zhang-Chun Cheng 1 , Tian-Mei Qian 1   

  1. 1 Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
    2 Nonnasality Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
    3 Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
  • Online:2019-09-15 Published:2019-09-15
  • Contact: Tian-Mei Qian, MS, qiantm86@ntu.edu.cn.
  • Supported by:

    This study was supported by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China.

Abstract:

MicroRNAs refer to a class of endogenous, short non-coding RNAs that mediate numerous biological functions. MicroRNAs regulate var¬ious physiological and pathological activities of peripheral nerves, including peripheral nerve repair and regeneration. Previously, using a rat sciatic nerve injury model, we identified many functionally annotated novel microRNAs, including miR-sc14. Here, we used real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to examine miR-sc14 expression in rat sciatic nerve stumps. Our results show that miR-sc14 is noticeably altered following sciatic nerve injury, being up-regulated at 1 day and diminished at 7 days. EdU and transwell chamber assay results showed that miR-sc14 mimic promoted proliferation and migration of Schwann cells, while miR-sc14 inhibitor suppressed their proliferation and migration. Additionally, bioinformatic analysis examined potential target genes of miR-sc14, and found that fibro¬blast growth factor receptor 2 might be a potential target gene. Specifically, our results show changes of miR-sc14 expression in the sciatic nerve of rats at different time points after nerve injury. Appropriately, up-regulation of miR-sc14 promoted proliferation and migration of Schwann cells. Consequently, miR-sc14 may be an intervention target to promote repair of peripheral nerve injury. The study was ap¬proved by the Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory Animal Management Committee, China on March 4, 2015 (approval No. 20150304-004).

Key words: nerve regeneration, novel microRNAs, miR-sc14, peripheral nerve injury, cell proliferation, cell migration, Schwann cells, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2, biological functions, peripheral nerve regeneration, regulatory mechanisms, neural regeneration