Research on the Role and Mechanism of Circular RNA in the Formation and Development of Schistosomiasis-induced Liver Fibrosis
In schistosomiasis induced by schistosome infection, hepatic fibrosis is the most serious pathological manifestation. Currently, the mechanisms underlying hepatic fibrosis formation have not yet been fully elucidated. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are key to the development of liver fibrosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are noncoding loop transcripts that are important in various diseases. However, their role in schistosomiasis-induced hepatic fibrosis remains unknown. In this study, through circRNA sequencing and RT-qPCR, we found that circFgfr2 levels were downregulated in primary HSCs derived from a mouse model of schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis and schistosomiasis-, CCl4- and alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis mouse models.