Total RNA from cultured CFs was extracted using TRIzol® reagent (Invitrogen; Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.) and then reverse-transcribed using a Transcriptor First Strand cDNA synthesis kit (Roche Diagnostics) as previously described (29 (link)). The expression levels of target genes were quantified via real-time PCR using a LightCycler 480 SYBR Green 1 Master Mix and a Light-Cycler 480 qPCR system (Roche Diagnostics). The relative transcription levels of the target genes were normalized GAPDH, while the level of miR-144 was normalized to U6 level. The primers for miR-144 (cat. no. HmiRQP0190) were obtained from GeneCopoeia and the other primers are listed in the Table I. Total protein was extracted from the cultured CFs and the concentration of the proteins was determined using a BCA assay. Equal concentrations of proteins were separated via SDS-PAGE (10% gel) and then transferred onto PVDF membranes. After blocking with 5% non-fat dried milk in TBS for 1 h, the membranes were incubated with primary antibodies. Membranes were then incubated with a secondary antibody and treated with enhanced chemiluminescence reagent. Images were captured using a Molecular Imager ChemiDoc™ XRS+ and quantified with Image Lab™ Software (version 5.1). The expression levels of specific proteins were normalized against GAPDH. The associated antibodies are listed in Table II.