As further confirmed, miR-543 could directly target lnc RNF7 and THBS1; thus, lnc RNF7 might serve as a ceRNA for miR-543 to counteract miR-543-mediated suppression on THBS1, finally modulating CF progression in rats via ECM and TSP1-enhanced TGFβ activation. Here, TGFB1 is linked to cystic fibrosis.