Role of circular RNAs in formaldehyde-induced lung Injury: Insights into expression and regulatory pathways

Accumulating evidence indicates that formaldehyde influence the pathogenesis of lung injury; however, the molecular mechanisms are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression profiles and function of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in formaldehyde-induced lung injury.

Differentially expressed circRNA profiles in formaldehyde-exposed rat lung tissue were identified using circRNA microarray. Subsequently, circRNA expression levels were validated. The potential circRNA/miRNA/mRNA regulatory networks were predicted and confirmed through bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assays, and siRNA transfection experiments.

A total of 3932 differentially expressed circRNAs were identified in formaldehyde-exposed lung tissues, comprising 2604 upregulated and 1328 downregulated circRNAs. Notably, rno_circRNA_010133 (increased 225 %, P < 0.01), rno_circRNA_016194 (increased 189.42 %, P < 0.01), and rno_circRNA_008646 (increased 93.2 %, P < 0.05) were significantly upregulated, whereas rno_circRNA_002357 (decreased 47.57 %, P < 0.01), rno_circRNA_004857 (decreased 81.55 %, P < 0.01), and rno_circRNA_002815 (decreased 66.99 %, P < 0.01) were markedly downregulated in formaldehyde-exposed lung tissues, consistent with microarray data. Additionally, the rno_circRNA_010133/rno-miR-107/Atg12 axis was activated, while the rno_circRNA_002357/rno-miR-9a-5p/Wnt pathway was suppressed in formaldehyde-exposed lung tissues.

This study provided novel insights into the altered expression patterns of circRNAs in formaldehyde-induced lung injury in rats, offering valuable information for the prevention and treatment of occupational formaldehyde-related lung injuries.