Fig. 2

Overexpression of miR-338-3p could inhibit cell activation, whereas inhibition of miR-338 could promote cell activation. a The cell morphology of HSCs after transfecting with miR-338 precursor or negative control. b The expression of miR-338, Col1, and α-SMA in primary HSCs was tested after miR-338-precursor transfection. c miR-338-3p transfection efficiency was confirmed by qRT-PCR. Data shown are means ± SD (n = 3), **P < 0.01. d mRNA level of Col1 in the HSCs transfected with miR-338 precursor or negative control. Data shown are means ± SD (n = 3), *P < 0.05. e mRNA level of α-sma in the HSCs transfected with miR-338 precursor or negative control. Data shown are means ± SD (n = 3), **P < 0.01. f mRNA level of Col1 in the HSCs transfected with miR-338-3p inhibitor or negative control. Data shown are means ± SD (n = 3), *P < 0.05. g mRNA level of α-sma in the HSCs transfected with miR-338-3p inhibitor or negative control. Data shown are means ± SD (n = 3), *P < 0.05. h Protein level of Col1 and sma by western blot