Knockdown of microRNA-96-5p resists oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in nucleus pulposus cells.

BACKGROUND

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) often leads to low back pain, which severely affects people's quality of life. Oxidative stress (OS) can accelerate nucleus pulposus cell (NPCs) senescence and apoptosis. Exploring the mechanism underlying OS-induced apoptosis is of utmost importance to aid in the development of IVDD treatment.

METHODS

In the current study, we tested the function of microRNA-96-5p in H2O2-treated NPCs. Apoptosis and mitophagy-related proteins were examined by western blot. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis of NPCs were evaluated by flow cytometry. A luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the interaction between microRNA-96-5p and Forkhead Box Protein O1 (FOXO1).

RESULTS

H2O2 treatment enhanced apoptosis in NPCs and upregulated the microRNA-96-5p expression. It was shown that knockdown of microRNA-96-5p attenuated H2O2-induced OS and apoptosis. FOXO1 is a direct target of microRNA-96-5p, and knockdown of microRNA-96-5p enhanced PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy by up-regulating FOXO1.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, knockdown of microRNA-96-5p enhanced PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy by up-regulating FOXO1. Our results facilitate the understanding of the role of microRNA-96-5p in IVDD and the mechanism of H2O2-induced oxidative damage.