STX12 lncRNA/miR-148a/SMAD5 participate in the regulation of pancreatic stellate cell activation through a mechanism involving competing endogenous RNA.

During the PSCs activation in chronic pancreatitis, the existence of ceRNA interactions in pancreatic fibrosis has been demonstrated. Regulation of the STX12/miR-148a/SMAD5 axis may serve as a new gene therapy strategy for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis and reversal of pancreatic fibrosis.