HOXA11-AS facilitates the proliferation, cell cycle process and migration of keloid fibroblasts through sponging miR-188–5p to regulate VEGFA

Abnormal expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been proved to be related to the formation of keloid. Homeobox A11 antisense (HOXA11-AS) has been found to be a significantly upregulated lncRNA in keloid tissues.To explore the mechanism of HOXA11-AS regulates keloid formation.Primary fibroblasts were isolated from keloid tissues and normal skin tissues. The expression of HOXA11-AS, microRNA (miR)-188-5p and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) was determined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay, EdU staining, flow cytometry and wound healing assay were performed to assess the proliferation, cell cycle process, apoptosis and migration of keloid fibroblasts. Importantly, some marker protein levels and VEGFA protein level were examined by western blot (WB) analysis. The interaction between miR-188-5p and HOXA11-AS or VEGFA was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down assay and RIP assay. Animal experiments were performed to further confirm the role of HOXA11-AS in keloid growth.HOXA11-AS was markedly upregulated in keloid tissues and fibroblasts. Knockdown of HOXA11-AS repressed the proliferation, cell cycle process, migration and promoted the apoptosis of keloid fibroblasts. Further analysis suggested that HOXA11-AS could sponge miR-188-5p to positively regulate VEGFA. The inhibition of HOXA11-AS silencing on the biological functions of keloid fibroblasts could be reversed by miR-188-5p inhibitor. In addition, VEGFA overexpression also abolished the suppressive effect of miR-188-5p on the biological functions of keloid fibroblasts. Interferences of HOXA11-AS suppressed keloid growth in vivo.HOXA11-AS might regulate the miR-188-5p/VEGFA axis to promote keloid formation.