82 Microrna-21 regulates transforming growth factor beta-1 release from platelets

Introduction MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) has been implicated as a regulator of fibrosis. Inhibitors of miR-21 are currently undergoing clinical trials. Our aim was to explore mechanisms of how miR-21 inhibition attenuates fibrosis using a proteomics approach. Methods and results Primary murine cardiac fibroblasts (CF) were transfected with miR-21 mimics and inhibitors. In line with previous reports, miR-21 overexpression increased CF proliferation (n=4 vs. 4; p Conclusions This study reports a previously unrecognised effect of miR-21 inhibition on platelet TGF-β1 release. This novel systemic effect of miR-21 on platelets may contribute to the anti-fibrotic effects of miR-21 inhibitors.