Identification of miR-21 as being positively correlated with CCN2. Detection by qRT-PCR of a CCN2 mRNA or b miR-148a, 802, 21, 199a-3p or 211* in primary PSC treated on Day 5 of culture with 0–50 mM ethanol for 24 h. Detection by qRT-PCR of c CCN2 mRNA in PSC transfected with miR-802, 21, 199a-3p, 211* or miR-148 or d CCN2 mRNA after transfection of the cells with miR-21. e Venn diagram demonstrating the rationale for selection of miR-21 for subsequent studies