Circ_0085289 Alleviates the Progression of Periodontitis by Regulating let-7f-5p/SOCS6 Pathway

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Periodontitis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory condition affecting adults.
• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in various inflammation-related diseases.
• The specific role of hsa_circ_0085289 in periodontitis pathogenesis is currently unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the function and underlying mechanism of hsa_circ_0085289 in periodontitis.
• To explore the relationship between hsa_circ_0085289, let-7f-5p, and SOCS6 in the context of periodontitis.

Main Methods:

• Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to model periodontitis.
• Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to assess molecule expression.
• Cell viability, apoptosis, and inflammatory cytokine release were measured using various assays (CCK-8, flow cytometry, ELISA).
• Molecular interactions were validated using dual-luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down, and RIP assays.

Main Results:

• Hsa_circ_0085289 and SOCS6 levels were decreased, while let-7f-5p levels were increased in periodontitis patients and LPS-treated PDLCs.
• LPS stimulation induced PDLC injury and downregulated hsa_circ_0085289.
• Upregulating hsa_circ_0085289 or downregulating let-7f-5p mitigated LPS-induced PDLC injury.
• Hsa_circ_0085289 directly targeted let-7f-5p, promoting SOCS6 expression and alleviating PDLC injury via the let-7f-5p/SOCS6 axis.

Conclusions:

• Hsa_circ_0085289 plays a protective role in periodontitis by alleviating LPS-induced injury in PDLCs.
• The protective mechanism involves hsa_circ_0085289 modulating the let-7f-5p/SOCS6 axis.
• Hsa_circ_0085289 shows potential as a therapeutic target and biomarker for periodontitis.