ArticleJournal of translational medicine2025
PLGA-microspheres carried circ_0003251 alleviate intervertebral disc degeneration via the miR-637/AKT1 axis.
Article in Journal of translational medicine, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Biomaterials for intervertebral disc regeneration: Niche reprogramming, precision therapeutics, and structural reconstruction.Bioactive materials · 2027Review
- RNA therapeutics: current status and future directions.Signal transduction and targeted therapy · 2026Review
- ROS-responsive biomaterial delivery of the TCM-derived small molecule coptisine protects stem cells and attenuates intervertebral disc degeneration.Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundCircular RNA (circRNA) plays a pivotal role in regulating nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) function, making it a promising therapeutic target for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). This study aimed to identify circRNA closely associated with IDD and assess their potential as therapeutic target.
methodsCirc_0003251 was identified via circRNA sequencing and validated in degenerated human nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues. Its properties were characterized using Sanger sequencing, oligo(dT) primers, RNase R treatment, and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Functional experiments assessed its role in vitro, while molecular mechanisms were explored through luciferase reporter assays, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence. To assess therapeutic potential, circ_0003251 was encapsulated in PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) microspheres (MS) and evaluated in vitro and in vivo.
resultsCirc_0003251 expression was significantly downregulated in degenerated NPCs and NP tissues. Its upregulation enhanced NPCs proliferation, extracellular matrix synthesis, and reduced apoptosis. Mechanistically, circ_0003251 acted as a miR-637 sponge, inhibiting AKT1 suppression and alleviating NPCs degeneration. PLGA MS successfully delivered circ_0003251, enhancing its therapeutic effect and delaying IDD in vivo.
conclusionCirc_0003251 was a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for IDD. PLGA MS delivery ensured effective application, offering a novel strategy for IDD treatment.
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Registered trials
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