OBJECTIVE

This study aims to uncover the function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HAGLR in the healing process of femoral neck fracture and the underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Expression levels of HAGLR, microRNA-19a-3p (miRNA-19a-3p) and TGFBR2 in fractured femoral neck tissues and adjacent normal tissues were detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Regulatory effects of HAGLR on viability, apoptosis, migration, and protein levels of BALP and Osteocalcin in MC3T3-E1 cells were determined. Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to assess the binding in HAGLR/miRNA-19a-3p/TGFBR2. In addition, relative levels of TGFBR2, p-smad2, p-smad3, and RUNX2 in MSCs influenced by HAGLR were detected.

RESULTS

HAGLR was downregulated in fractured femoral neck tissues. Knockdown of HAGLR reduced viability and migration, enhanced apoptotic rate, as well as downregulated BALP and Osteocalcin in MC3T3-E1 cells. HAGLR served as miRNA-19a-3p sponge, and miRNA-19a-3p directly targeted 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of TGFBR2. Knockdown of HAGLR downregulated expressions of TGFBR2, p-smad2, p-smad3, and RUNX2 in MC3T3-E1 cells, indicating the inhibited TGF-β pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA HAGLR/miRNA-19a-3p/TGFBR2 regulatory loop accelerates the healing process of femoral neck fracture by inhibiting the TGF-β pathway.