Figure 7. Schematic illustrations explain the signaling mechanisms by which CHRF and miR-489 regulate inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis.

MiR-489 targets MyD88 and Smad3, which lead to blockage of the inflammatory and fibrotic signaling pathways in macrophages and fibroblasts. Additionally, the lncRNA CHRF promotes silica-induced inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis by directly down-regulating miR-489 expression.