LncRNA TDRG1 facilitates high glucose-induced retinal microvascular endothelial cell injury via miR-7-5p/G3BP2

This study explores the mechanism of lncRNA TDRG1 in high glucose (HG)-induced human retinal microvascular endothelial cell (hRMEC) injury. hRMECs were cultured in HG medium, followed by the detection of cell viability, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis using CCK-8, EdU, Transwell, and tube formation assays. LncRNA TDRG1, miR-7-5p, G3BP2, VEGFA, and CD31 expression in hRMECs was detected by RT-qPCR or western blot. After transfection with lncRNA TDRG1 siRNA or miR-7-5p inhibitor or G3BP2 pcDNA3.1, hRMEC injury induced by HG was evaluated. Dual luciferase, RIP, or RNA pull-down assays were performed to verify the binding of lncRNA TDRG1, miR-7-5p, and G3BP2. HG treatment notably elevated the expressions of lncRNA TDRG1 and G3BP2 in hRMECs but diminished the expression of miR-7-5p. Low expression of lncRNA TDRG1 restrained the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of hRMECs while diminishing VEGFA and CD31 expression. Mechanistically, lncRNA TDRG1 upregulated the transcription level of G3BP2 by competitively binding to miR-7-5p. Low expression of miR-7-5p or overexpression of G3BP2 weakened the inhibitory effect of lncRNA TDRG1 silencing on HG-induced hRMEC injury. In conclusion, lncRNA TDRG1 upregulates the transcription level of G3BP2 by competitively binding to miR-7-5p, thus exacerbating HG-induced hRMEC injury.