This study indicated that treatment with emodin may achieve therapeutic effect by targeting the miR-244-5p/delta 4-desaturase, sphingolipid 1 (DEGS1) axis, so as to inhibit cell viability and proliferation, and promote cell apoptosis of PASMCs, therefore introducing a new potential approach to treat PAH. This evidence concerns the gene DEGS1 and pulmonary arterial hypertension.