MicroRNA-27a-3p inhibits lung and skin fibrosis of systemic sclerosis by negatively regulating SPP1

To investigate the role and mechanism of microRNAs (miRNAs) in fibrotic processes involved in the pathology of systemic sclerosis (SSc). R language and bioinformatics methods were used to identify differential miRNAs and mRNAs and analyze their biological functions. Transfection experiments were performed to evaluate the function and regulatory mechanism of miR-27a-3p in vitro. Levels of fibrosis-related genes, SPP1 and cell proliferation were assessed. MiR-27a-3p is reduced both in SSc lung and skin tissues. Overexpression of miR-27a-3p significantly inhibited fibrosis-related genes expression and protein abundance and cell proliferation, whereas inhibition of miR-27a-3p significantly enhanced these phenomena. Moreover, miR-27a-3p exerts its anti-fibrosis effect by negatively regulating SPP1 and ERK signal, more prominent in fibroblasts. Our findings show that miR-27a-3p regulates a common mechanism in the process of SSc skin and lung fibrosis. MiR-27a-3p/SPP1/ERK1/2 axis may be an important target for delaying the progression of SSc fibrosis. •MiRNAs play a vital role in the fibrosis process of SSc.•MiR-27a-3p is involved in the process of SSc skin and lung tissue fibrosis.•MiR-27a-3p exerts its anti-fibrosis effect by negatively regulating SPP1-ERK axis.•MiR-27a-3p-SPP1-ERK1/2 regulatory axis is a potential therapeutic target for SSc.