CircADAMTS6/miR-431-5p axis regulate interleukin-1β induced chondrocyte apoptosis.

Background Growing evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in osteoarthritis (OA) development. This study aimed to explore the CircADAMTS6/miR-431-5p axis in regulating interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induced chondrocyte apoptosis. Methods We first evaluated the differentially expressed circRNAs between normal chondrocytes and IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes. Then, bioinformatic analysis was performed to identify the role and function of circADAMTS6. siRNA-expressing or overexpressing circADAMTS6 lentiviral vectors were used for transduction of chondrocytes. Annexin-V-FITC double staining was performed to measure the apoptotic rate of the chondrocytes in each group. Finally, a dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify the target relationship between circADAMTS6 and miR-431-5p. Results After treatment with IL-1β, circADAMTS6 was downregulated than that of the normal chondrocyte group. The overexpression of circADAMTS6 inhibited apoptosis in human chondrocytes, as evidenced by Annexin-V-FITC double staining. However, overexpression of miR-431-5p had the opposite effect. Dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that circADAMTS6 could directly binding with miR-431-5p. Conclusion Our findings may substantiate the circADAMTS6/miR-431-5p axis as a new target for OA. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that circADAMTS6 acted as a sponge of miR-431-5p.