The role of circRNA derived from RUNX2 in the serum of osteoarthritis and its clinical value

BACKGROUND: Circular RNA (circRNA) has been shown to affect the pathological process of osteoarthritis (OA) and is expected to become a potential marker for disease diagnosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between circRNA derived from the gene of runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and OA risk. METHODS: The expression profile of RUNX2‐derived circRNAs in serum of OA patients was detected. Then, the cytological localization of screened differential circRNAs was studied. Luciferase (LUC) reporter assay was used to identify the microRNA (miRNA) sponge capacity of the circRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis was used to construct the functional pathway of this circRNA‐miRNAs network. And then, the diagnostic value of RUNX2‐derived circRNAs in OA was evaluated. RESULTS: RUNX2‐derived hsa_circ_0005526 (circ_RUNX2) is significantly highly expressed in OA serum and mainly located in the cytoplasm within the cartilage cell by sponging multiple miRNAs (miR‐498, miR‐924, miR‐361‐3p, and miR‐665). Bioinformatics analysis showed ECM‐receptor interaction pathway ranked the most significant pathway of circ_RUNX2‐miRNAs regulatory network in KEGG database. The ROC curve showed that there may be good diagnostic value of serum circ_RUNX2 in OA. CONCLUSION: RUNX2‐derived circ_RUNX2 may be involved in OA development via ECM‐receptor interaction pathways and may be used as potential clinical indicator of OA.