A Novel Identified Circular RNA, mmu_mmu_circRNA_0000309, Involves in Germacrone-Mediated Improvement of Diabetic Nephropathy Through Regulating Ferroptosis by Targeting miR-188-3p/GPX4 Signaling Axis

Aims: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is characterized by microalbuminuria, mainly associated with pathological and morphological alterations of podocyte. New drug targeting podocyte injury is a promising approach for treating DN. The present study is aimed at developing new drug targeting podocyte injury for treating DN. Results: In this study, germacrone ameliorated kidney damage and inhibited podocyte apoptosis in a DN mouse model. Based on RNA-seq, mmu_mmu_circRNA_0000309, located in host gene vascular endothelial zinc finger 1 (Vezf1), showed a sharp decline in DN mice and a remarkable recovery in germacrone-challenged DN mice. mmu_circRNA_0000309 silence or miR-188-3p mimics abrogated the antiapoptosis and anti-injury effects of germacrone through aggravating mitochondria damage, and elevating reactive oxygen species and ferroptosis-related protein levels. Mechanistically, mmu_circRNA_0000309 competitively sponged miR-188-3p, and subsequently promoted glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression, thereby inactivating ferroptosis-dependent mitochondrial damage and podocyte apoptosis. In addition, GPX4 overexpression neutralized mmu_circRNA_0000309 silence-mediated mitochondria damage and ferroptosis in germacrone-exposed MPC5 cells. Innovation: We describe the novel effect and mechanism of germacrone on treating DN, which is linked to ferroptosis for the first time. Conclusion: mmu_circRNA_0000309 silence mediates drug resistance to germacrone in DN mice. mmu_circRNA_0000309 sponges miR-188-3p, and subsequently upregulates GPX4 expression, inactivating ferroptosis-dependent mitochondrial function and podocyte apoptosis. Possibly germacrone-based treatment for DN can be further motivated by regulating mmu_circRNA_0000309/miR-188-3p/GPX4 signaling axis. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 740-759.