Hsa_circ_0000345 regulates the cellular development of ASMCs in response to oxygenized low-density lipoprotein

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cardiovascular Research
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Atherosclerosis involves complex cellular and molecular interactions.
• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in disease regulation.
• Novel circRNAs require investigation to fully understand atherosclerosis pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of hsa_circ_0000345 in the cellular development of atherosclerosis.
• To determine the regulatory effect of hsa_circ_0000345 on oxygenized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-treated aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMCs).

Main Methods:

• ASMCs were treated with ox-LDL to induce an atherosclerosis model.
• hsa_circ_0000345 expression was manipulated (overexpression and down-regulation).
• Cell viability (MTT assay), apoptosis (flow cytometry), cell cycle, invasion (Transwell assay), and HIF-1α expression were assessed.

Main Results:

• Ox-LDL treatment significantly decreased hsa_circ_0000345 expression in ASMCs.
• Overexpression of hsa_circ_0000345 enhanced cell viability and inhibited apoptosis.
• Down-regulation of hsa_circ_0000345 reduced cell viability and promoted apoptosis.
• hsa_circ_0000345 overexpression arrested cell cycle at G1 phase and enhanced invasion in ox-LDL treated ASMCs.
• hsa_circ_0000345 regulated HIF-1α expression at both mRNA and protein levels.

Conclusions:

• hsa_circ_0000345 acts as a crucial regulator of ASMC proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion under ox-LDL conditions.
• hsa_circ_0000345 demonstrates a protective role against ox-LDL-induced cellular damage in ASMCs.
• These findings highlight hsa_circ_0000345 as a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.