acts as a sponge for miR-127-5p to promote the migration and invasion of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes.

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a crucial role in the development of various diseases. However, few studies have investigated the role of circRNAs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Herein, we aimed to identified the novel circRNAs involved in the migration and invasion of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS).

METHODS

The RA-FLS were isolated from the synovial membrane of patients with RA. The CircRNA profile was screened by CircRNA microarray analysis. and miR-127-5p expression levels were detected using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein level of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) was evaluated by western blotting. Wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to analyze the migration and invasion of RA-FLS. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to validate the interaction between and miR-127-5p. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse models were established to evaluate the role of in the development of arthritis .

RESULTS

was highly expressed in RA-FLS compared with osteoarthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (OAFLS) and correlated positively with the disease activity score in 28 joints. Inhibition of suppressed the migration and invasion of RA-FLS. Conversely, overexpression of significant promoted the migration and invasion of RA-FLS. Mechanistically, functions as a sponge for miR-127-5p and relieve its repressive effect on , thereby promoting the migration and invasion of RA-FLS. Importantly, intra-articular injection of Adenoassociated virus expressing significantly increased the severity of arthritis in mice with CIA.

CONCLUSION

promotes the migration and invasion of RA-FLS by sponging miR-127-5p. Thus is a potential therapeutic target for RA.