Analysis and verification of the circRNA regulatory network RNO_CIRCpedia_ 4214/ RNO‑miR‑667‑5p/Msr1 axis as a potential ceRNA promoting macrophage M2‑like polarization in spinal cord injury

BMC Genomics, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-023-09273-w · Published: April 3, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Genetics Bioinformatics

Simple Explanation

This study explores the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Microarrays were used to identify differentially expressed circRNAs and mRNAs in spinal cord tissue after SCI. The study identified a specific circRNA (RNO_CIRCpedia_4214) that, through interaction with a microRNA (RNO-miR-667-5p), can affect macrophage polarization, potentially promoting healing after SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats (200-240 g)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
SCI leads to differential expression of 414 circRNAs and 5337 mRNAs.
2
RNO_CIRCpedia_4214 knockdown reduces Msr1 expression and increases RNO-miR-667-5p and Arg1 expression.
3
RNO_CIRCpedia_4214 can bind to RNO-miR-667-5p, suggesting a ceRNA mechanism promoting macrophage M2-like polarization.

Research Summary

This study investigates the role of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury (SCI) using microarray analysis and bioinformatics. The research identifies a ceRNA network involving RNO_CIRCpedia_4214, RNO-miR-667-5p, and Msr1, suggesting a potential mechanism for regulating macrophage polarization in SCI. The findings highlight the critical role that circRNAs may play in the pathophysiology of SCI, providing new targets for treatment.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target Identification

The identification of RNO_CIRCpedia_4214/RNO-miR-667-5p/Msr1 axis provides a potential target for developing novel therapies for spinal cord injury.

Macrophage Polarization Modulation

Understanding the role of circRNAs in macrophage polarization could lead to strategies for promoting M2 polarization, which is associated with tissue repair and reduced inflammation in SCI.

CeRNA Network Insights

The constructed ceRNA network offers a framework for further investigation of gene regulation in SCI and identification of additional therapeutic targets.

Study Limitations

1
Limited sample size in microarray analysis.
2
Gene expression patterns were assessed at a single time point (3 days post-SCI).
3
Functional analyses were limited to cellular-level experiments; in vivo validation is needed.

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