RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To verify whether miR-150-5p modulates the development of renal fibrosis and its mechanism. METHODS: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 was implemented on HK-2 cells to construct a renal fibrosis in vitro model. Inhibition of autophagy was performed on HK-2 cells by treating with 3-methyladenine (3-MA, an inhibitor of autophagy). HK-2 cells experienced transfection by miR-150-5p mimics/inhibitor and pcDNA-ß-catenin plasmids, and the negative controls. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was applied to validate the relationship between miR-150-5p and ß-catenin. Cell apoptosis exploration was implemented by flow cytometry assay. The level detection of CoII, α-SMA, miR-150-5p and ß-catenin was executed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The expression of CoII, α-SMA, LC3I, LC3II, Bax, Cleaved Caspase 3, Beclin 1, Bcl-2 and ß-catenin proteins was monitored by western blot. RESULTS: Autophagy was inhibited in TGF-ß1-induced HK-2 cells. MiR-150-5p alleviated fibrosis, enhanced autophagy, and inhibited apoptosis in TGF-ß1-induced HK-2 cells. ß-catenin was a target of miR-150-5p. Autophagy inhibition or ß-catenin partially counteracted miR-150-5p effect on TGF-ß1-induced fibrosis in HK-2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-150-5p alleviates renal tubular epithelial cell fibrosis by activating autophagy via ß-catenin signaling.
