Summary. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are the most recently discovered class of noncoding RNAs. LncRNAs play a crucial role in multiple disorders. However, the role and mechanism of action of lncRNAs in keloids remain unclear. Here, qRT-PCR and western blotting assays were performed to determine the expression of genes and proteins, respectively. MTT assays were carried out to measure the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts. In addition, a luciferase activity assay was conducted to investigate the relationships between LINC00937 and miR-28-5p and between miR-28-5p and MC1R. The results showed that LINC00937 and MC1R were decreased, whereas miR-28-5p was increased in keloid tissues. LINC00937 overexpression in keloid fibroblasts could repress the extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and cell proliferation and promote MC1R expression. Moreover, high expression of miR-28-5p and low expression of LINC00937 were detected in keloid fibroblasts. We further showed that LINC00937 promoted MC1R expression by sponging miR-28-5p. Finally, our data indicated that LINC00937 inhibited the ECM deposition and proliferation of keloid fibroblasts by inhibiting miR-28-5p and facilitating MC1R expression. Overall, LINC00937 suppressed the ECM deposition and proliferation of keloid fibroblasts by acting as an miR-28-5p sponge and promoting MC1R expression. Our data suggested that LINC00937 is a potential target for keloid treatment. Histol Histopathol 36, 995-1005 (2021)

Key words: Keloid, Long noncoding RNA, LINC00937, Keloid fibroblasts, Extracellular matrix deposition

DOI: 10.14670/HH-18-372

©The Author(s) 2021. Open Access. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons CC-BY International License.