lncRNA NR_120420 promotes SH-SY5Y cells apoptosis by regulating NF-κB after oxygen and glucose deprivation

Stroke has serious implications on patients and a huge impact on society. The current treatment regimens with drug for acute cerebral infarction are unsatisfactory. Here, we explore whether the two long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) candidates from preliminary research regulate apoptosis after cerebral infarction, and evaluate the underlying mechanism of action. Bioinformatics analysis of the lncRNA microarray in the preliminary research of our group was performed. Changes in the expression of candidate lncRNAs in SH-SY5Y cells were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) after treatment with seven different oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) methods. The changes were detected after transfection of cells with six small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Cell models were established by OGD after transfection with siRNAs. Cell viability was evaluated with the cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay, while TUNEL staining and flow cytometry analysis were performed to determine apoptosis. Changes in the expression and phosphorylation of three proteins were detected by western blotting after the knockdown of NR_120420. Changes in the expression and phosphorylation of P65 protein were detected by western blotting after this cell model was treated with PDTC. Cells were transfected with siNR_120420 and treated with and without PDTC, followed by analysis of cell viability and apoptosis. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the differentially expressed lncRNAs after acute cerebral infarction were mainly involved in nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and apoptosis. Expression of the two lncRNA candidates in SH-SY5Y cells was the maximum after incubation under the OGD condition for 8 h. The knockdown efficiency was more than 60% for four of the six siRNAs, and knockdown of NR_120420 increased the cell viability and decreased the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells and apoptotic cells. Knockdown of lnc-GCH1-2:3 resulted in none of these effects. Phosphorylation of NF-κB (P65) decreased significantly after the knockdown of NR_120420. Expression and phosphorylation of P65 was significantly reduced after it was treated with PDTC. The inhibitor of NF-κB (PDTC) could abolish the effect of NR_120420 on the regulation of apoptosis in this cell model. Both NR_120420 and lnc-GCH1-2:3 had significant changes in this cell model. Knockdown of NR_120420 inhibited the apoptosis of cells, while NR_120420 knockdown inhibited apoptosis after cerebral infarction by downregulating the phosphorylation of a subunit of NF-κB (P65). This study may provide new idea for improving drug treatment of acute cerebral infarction.