BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the role of miR-184 in the proliferation and apoptosis of keratinocyte (HaCaT cells).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: HaCaT cells were cultured in a growth medium. The miR-184 was transfected with siRNA, then cell viability and apoptosis were assayed by MTT and flow cytometry, respectively. The colony-forming efficacy of HaCaT cells were detected as well. mRNA expressions of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 were measured with RT-PCR. The expressions of apoptosis-related proteins caspase-3 and Bcl-x in HaCaT cells were determined by Western blot.

RESULTS: After miR-184 was transfected with siRNA, cell viability and colony forming ability decreased significantly, and apoptosis was significantly increased. The expressions of growth factors TGF-β1 and bFGF mRNAs, as well as apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-x, in HaCaT cells declined significantly after miR-184 was transfected with siRNA. In addition, the expression of pro-apoptotic protein caspase-3 increased significantly.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest distinct roles of miR-184 during the growth, proliferation, and apoptosis of keratinocytes.

Keywords: Apoptosis - physiology, Cell Survival - genetics, Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 - metabolism, Keratinocytes - physiology