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In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions
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Circular RNA circRNF169 functions as a miR-30c-5p sponge to promote cellular senescence

Dingyuan Zhang1, Yuting Li1, Yiting Lei1

  • 1Institute of Aging Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, PR China.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|March 18, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a role in aging. CircRNF169 accelerates cellular senescence by sponging miR-30c-5p, offering a potential target for aging interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Gerontology
  • RNA Biology

Background:

  • Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are recognized for their roles in biological and pathological processes.
  • The specific functions and mechanisms of circRNAs in aging and age-related diseases are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role and mechanisms of circRNAs in cellular senescence.
  • To identify specific circRNAs involved in the aging of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs).

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of circRNA expression in young and senescent MEFs.
  • Functional assays including senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining and BrdU incorporation.
  • Dual-luciferase reporter assays to confirm molecular interactions.

Main Results:

  • CircRNF169 expression was significantly upregulated in senescent MEFs.
  • Silencing circRNF169 delayed senescence and promoted proliferation, while its overexpression accelerated senescence.
  • CircRNF169 functions as a miR-30c-5p sponge, inhibiting miR-30c-5p activity and promoting senescence.

Conclusions:

  • CircRNF169 plays a critical role in cellular senescence.
  • The circRNF169/miR-30c-5p axis is a key mechanism driving senescence.
  • CircRNF169 represents a potential therapeutic target for aging interventions.
Keywords:
AgingCellular senescenceCircRNF169miR-30c-5p

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