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circPVT1 promotes silica-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition by modulating the miR-497-5p/TCF3 axis
Siyun Zhou1, Yan Li2, Wenqing Sun1
1Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.
Journal of Biomedical Research
|March 26, 2024
Summary
Circular RNA PVT1 (circPVT1) promotes silica-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lung cells. Targeting the circPVT1/miR-497-5p/TCF3 pathway may offer new treatments for pulmonary fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
- The role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in this process is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of circPVT1 in silica-induced EMT.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Cellular assays were used to assess EMT and cell migration.
- Cytoplasmic and nuclear separation assays determined circPVT1 localization.
- RNA immunoprecipitation and pull-down assays identified binding interactions.
- MiR-497-5p and TCF3 interactions were analyzed in silica-treated lung epithelial cells.
Main Results:
- Elevated circPVT1 expression promoted EMT and enhanced cell migration in silica-treated cells.
- circPVT1 was primarily localized in the cytoplasm and bound to miR-497-5p.
- miR-497-5p inhibited silica-induced EMT by targeting TCF3, a repressor of E-cadherin transcription.
- The circPVT1/miR-497-5p/TCF3 axis was identified in lung epithelial cells undergoing silica-induced EMT.
Conclusions:
- circPVT1 plays a significant role in promoting silica-induced EMT.
- The circPVT1/miR-497-5p/TCF3 pathway is a novel mechanism involved in lung epithelial cell response to silica.
- This pathway presents a potential therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis.
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