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Circular RNA hsa_circ_0000118 promotes atrial fibrosis by regulating the microRNA‑34a‑5p/Smad4 axis
Na Wu1, Yuanbo Zhang1, Yuhong Zeng1
1Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, P.R. China.
Molecular Medicine Reports
|October 3, 2025
Summary
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a role in atrial fibrillation (AF). The study found hsa_circ_0000118 is elevated in AF patients and promotes cardiac fibroblast activity, suggesting it as a prognostic biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulatory roles in atrial fibrillation (AF) remain unclear.
- Understanding circRNA mechanisms is crucial for AF pathogenesis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prognostic significance of hsa_circ_0000118 in AF.
- To elucidate the biological functions and mechanisms of hsa_circ_0000118 in cardiac structural remodeling.
Main Methods:
- Established gain- and loss-of-function models in mouse cardiac fibroblasts.
- Utilized Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays for proliferation and migration analysis.
- Performed RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays to explore molecular mechanisms.
Main Results:
- hsa_circ_0000118 was significantly upregulated in atrial tissues of AF patients.
- Elevated plasma hsa_circ_0000118 levels correlated with poor prognosis in AF.
- hsa_circ_0000118 promoted collagen expression and fibroblast migration by sponging miR-34a-5p.
Conclusions:
- hsa_circ_0000118 may serve as a non-invasive prognostic biomarker for AF.
- Identified hsa_circ_0000118 as a key regulator in AF-related structural remodeling.
- Provides novel mechanistic insights for potential AF therapies targeting circRNAs.
