miR-151-3p targets Stat3 mRNA and regulates Stat3 expression in macrophages. (a and b) Analysis of luciferase activity. RAW264.7 cells were co-transfected with pMIRfirefly luciferase reporter plasmids, pTK-Renilla luciferase plasmids, together with miR-151-3p inhibitor or mimics. After 36 h, firefly luciferase activity was measured and normalized to Renilla luciferase activity. (c) Effects of miR-151-3p on the endogenous Stat3 mRNA level were analyzed using RT-qPCR in RAW264.7 cells and primary peritoneal macrophages. (d) Effects of miR-151-3p on the endogenous Stat3 protein and p-Stat3 levels after LPS stimulation for 30 min were analyzed by western blotting in RAW264.7 cells and primary peritoneal macrophages. The data are shown as the means±s.d. (n=3) of one representative experiment. Similar results were obtained in at least three independent experiments. **P<0.01, unpaired Student's t-test. NC, negative control oligonucleotides; ns, not significant.