CircRBM33 induces endothelial dysfunction by targeting the miR-6838-5p/PDCD4 axis affecting blood-brain barrier in mice with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: circRNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the process of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CI/RI). Our study aims to explore circRBM33 in the endothelial function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

METHODS: The mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion model (MCAO) was established and restored to perfusion, and OGD/R-induced endothelial cells were used to simulate CI/RI. circRBM33, miR-6838-5p and PDCD4, as well as Occludin, ZO-1 and Claudin-5 TJs were evaluated by quantitative PCR and Western blot. The ring structure of circRBM33 was verified by RNAse R and actinomycin D experiments. MTT and LDH Cytotoxicity assay determined viability and toxicity, and flow cytometry determined apoptosis rate. Inflammatory cytokines and the number of microglia in brain tissue were measured by ELISA and IHC. The interaction between genes was verified by RIP and dual luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS: circRBM33 was a circrRNA present in the cytoplasm and up-regulated in the brain tissue of MCAO mice and OGD/R-induced endothelial cells. Silenced circRBM33 promoted Occludin, ZO-1, and Claudin-5 expression and cell proliferation, and inhibited cytotoxicity, inflammatory response, and apoptosis. Functionally, circRBM33-absorbed miR-6838-5p was involved in regulating PDCD4, leading to endothelial cell dysfunction, and thus affecting the function of the BBB.

CONCLUSIONS: circRBM33 by mediating miR-6838-5p/PDCD4 axis induces endothelial dysfunction, thereby affecting the BBB in mice with CI/RI.