RUNX3 derived hsa_circ_0005752 accelerates the osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells via the miR-496/MDM2-p53 pathway

Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that play a pivotal role in bone diseases. RUNX3 was an essential transcriptional regulator during osteogenesis. However, it is unknown whether RUNX3 regulates hsa_circ_0005752 during osteogenic differentiation. Methods The levels of hsa_circ_0005752 and RUNX3 were measured by qRT-PCR after osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs. The osteogenic differentiation was analyzed by Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and Alizarin red staining (ARS). qRT-PCR and western blot were used to assess the expressions of osteogenic differentiation-related molecules. RNA pull-down, RIP, and luciferase reporter assays determine the interactions between miR-496 and hsa_circ_0005752 or MDM2 mRNA. CHIP-PCR analyzed the interaction between RUNX3 and LPAR1. Finally, the potential roles of RUNX3 were investigated during osteogenic differentiation with or without hsa_circ_0005752 knockdown. Results Hsa_circ_0005752 and RUNX3 were significantly increased, and miR-496 was remarkably decreased in ADSCs after osteogenic differentiation. Hsa_circ_0005752 could promote osteogenic differentiation, as shown by enhancing ALP and ARS staining intensity. Hsa_circ_0005752 enhanced the expressions of Runx2, ALP, Osx, and OCN. Furthermore, hsa_circ_0005752 directly targeted miR-496, which can directly bind to MDM2. RUNX3 bound to the LPAR1 promoter and enhanced hsa_circ_0005752 expressions. Moreover, the enhanced expression of hsa_circ_0005752 by RUNX3 could promote osteogenic differentiation, whereas knockdown of hsa_circ_0005752 partially antagonized the effects of RUNX3. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that RUNX3 promoted osteogenic differentiation via regulating the hsa_circ_0005752/miR-496/MDM2 axis and thus provided a new therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis.