Abstract

Abstract Purpose More and more studies suggest that circular RNA (circRNA) is involved in the pathogenesis of age-related cataract (ARC). CircSTK39, a circular RNA, has inhibitory effects on cancer progression. However, there is no data regarding the role of circSTK39 in ARC occurrence and the underlying mechanism. Methods ARC cell model was established by inducing lens epithelial cells (SRA01/04) using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). CircSTK39, microRNA-125a-5p (miR-125a-5p), and ERCC excision repair 6, chromatin remodeling factor (ERCC6) expression were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Western blot was conducted to assess protein expression. Cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis were investigated by cell counting kit-8 assay, 5-Ethynyl-29-deoxyuridine assay, and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Oxidative stress was evaluated using commercial kits. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay, and RNA pull-down assay were used to identify the relationship between miR-125a-5p and circSTK39 or ERCC6. Results CircSTK39 and ERCC6 expression were significantly downregulated, but miR-125a-5p expression was upregulated in the lens tissues of ARC patients and H2O2-treated SRA01/04 cells. H2O2 treatment led to decreased cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis and oxidative stress, accompanied by the increases of C-caspase3 and Bax expression and the decrease of Bcl-2 expression; however, these effects were reversed after circSTK39 overexpression. MiR-125a-5p was found to participate in H2O2-triggered cell damage by interacting with circSTK39. Additionally, ERCC6 silencing inhibited circSTK39 overexpression-mediated action. Importantly, circSTK39 regulated ERCC6 expression by interaction with miR-125a-5p in H2O2-treated SRA01/04 cells.