LPS-inducible circAtp9b is highly expressed in osteoporosis and promotes the apoptosis of osteoblasts by reducing the formation of mature miR-17-92a

BACKGROUND: Circular RNA circAtp9b is an enhancer of LPS-induced inflammation, which promotes osteoporosis (OS). This study explored the role of circAtp9b in OS. METHODS: RT-qPCR was performed to detect the expression of circAtp9b and microRNA (miR)-17-92a (both mature and premature) in OS and healthy controls. The subcellular location of circAtp9b was assessed by nuclear fractionation assay. The direct interaction between circAtp9b and premature miR-17-92a was detected by RNA pull-down assay. The role of circAtp9b in regulating the maturation of miR-17-92a in osteoblasts was explored by overexpression assay and RT-qPCR. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by cell apoptosis assay. RESULTS: OS patients exhibited upregulation of circAtp9b and premature miR-17-92a, but downregulation of mature miR-17-92a. In osteoblasts, circAtp9b suppressed the maturation of miR-17-92a. LPS upregulated circAtp9b and premature miR-17-92a, and downregulated mature miR-17-92a in osteoblasts. CircAtp9b was detected in both nucleus and cytoplasm, and it directly interacted with premature miR-17-92a. Overexpression of circAtp9b reduced the effects of miR-17-92a on the apoptosis of osteoblasts induced by LPS. CONCLUSION: CircAtp9b is LPS-inducible and upregulation of circAtp9b in OS promotes the apoptosis of osteoblasts by reducing the formation of mature miR-17-92a. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13018-022-03072-x.