MiR-486-5p represses chondrocyte multiplication but facilitates their deaths in congenital microtia through aiming at H3F3B

Abstract Background MicroRNAs have been reported to play important roles in the development of external ear. The present study was designed to explore the expression patterns and biological function of miR-486-5p in congenital microtia. Methods Cartilage tissue specimens were collected from congenital microtia cases who received reconstructive ear surgeries, while the normal cartilage tissues from other otology surgeries were adopted as normal controls. The relative expression of miR-486-5p was investigated by quantitative-real time polymerase chain reaction. The potential target of miR-486-5p was explored by TargetScanHuman 7.2 and dual-Luciferase reporter assay. MTT and flow cytometry assays were adopted to investigate cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Results The expression of miR-486-5p was significantly up-regulated in microtia cartilage tissues. Knockdown of miR-486-5p in microtia chondrocytes enhanced proliferation and inhibited apoptosis. H3F3B might be a target of miR-486-5p, and miR-486-5p could regulate proliferation and apoptosis of microtia chondrocytes by targeting H3F3B. Moreover, the enforced expression of H3F3B could re-turned the function of miR-486-5p in microtia chondrocytes. Conclusion Up-regulation of miR-486-5p may inhibit microtia chondrocytes proliferation and promote apoptosis by targeting H3F3B.