LncRNA MALAT1 exhibits positive effects on nucleus pulposus cells biology in vivo and in vitro by sponging miR-503 media the P38MAPKs/AP-1 pathway
Abstract Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is characterized by the loss of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and phenotypic abnormalities. Accumulated evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of IDD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the functional effects of lncMALAT1 on NPCs in IDD and the possible mechanism. Results: We validated the decreased expression of MALAT1 in the IDD tissues, associating with increased collagen II and aggrecan expression. In vitro, overexpressed MALAT1 could attenuate the effect of IL-1β on NPCs proliferation, apoptosis, and aggrecan degradation. In vivo, MALAT1 overexpression attenuated the severity of disc degeneration in IDD model rats. Our molecular study further demonstrated that MALAT1 could sponge miR-503, modulate the expression of miR-503, and the activation of downstream MAPK signaling pathways. The effects of MALAT1 on NPCs were partially reversed/ aggregated by miR-503 mimics/inhibitor treatment. Conclusion: Our data suggested that MALAT1-miR-503-MAPK pathway plays a critical role in NPCs, which may be a potential strategy for improving IDD.