Mir-370-3p Inhibited the Proliferation of Sheep Dermal Papilla Cells by Inhibiting the Expression of SMAD4

The study investigates the role of miR-370-3p in sheep dermal papilla cells, focusing on its interaction with SMAD4, a key factor in hair follicle development. The research found that miR-370-3p targets SMAD4, leading to inhibited cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and altered cell cycle in follicular papilla cells. Significant differences in miR-370-3p and SMAD4 expression were observed between different sheep breeds and tissues. Bioinformatics and experimental assays confirmed the regulatory relationship between miR-370-3p and SMAD4, with miR-370-3p promoting the expression of JUN, c-MYC, and TCF7L2 while suppressing β-catenin. This study highlights the potential of miR-370-3p as a regulator of hair follicle cell dynamics.