Circ_0038467 regulates lipopolysaccharide-mediated cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammatory response by miR-195-5p/TLR4 axis through NF-κB pathway in MRC-5 cells

• Published in: Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry biotechnology, and biochemistry, 2021-06, Vol.85 (7), p.1639-1649
• Main Authors: Zheng, Yu, Wang, Yuanyuan, Zhu, Xiuli, Diao, Yuqiao, Chen, Yuqin, Chen, Gang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1347-6947; 1347-6947
• DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbab092

ABSTRACT Infantile pneumonia (IP) is an acute lower respiratory infection and brings a heavy burden to children health. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in the regulation of pneumonia process. In this research, the effects of circ_0038467 in regulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cell injury and underlying mechanism were revealed. Results showed that circ_0038467 expression and TLR4 protein level were upregulated, while miR-195-5p expression was downregulated in LPS-induced MRC-5 cells. Circ_0038467 silencing restored LPS-mediated inhibition on cell proliferation and promotion on apoptosis and inflammatory response. Additionally, circ_0038467 acted as a sponge of miR-195-5p, which was further revealed to target TLR4. MiR-195-5p inhibitor reversed circ_0038467 silencing-mediated influences under LPS treatment. Furthermore, LPS-activated NF-κB pathway was partly blocked by circ_0038467 silencing, which was restrained by TLR4 overexpression. Circ_0038467 silencing protected MRC-5 cells from LPS-induced injury by miR-195-5p/TLR4 axis through NF-κB pathway, providing a theoretical basis for circRNA-directed IP therapy. Graphical Abstract Graphical Abstract Effects of circ_0038467 in LPS-mediated cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation involved miR-195-5p/TLR4/NF-κB pathway in MRC-5 cells.