Loss of circSLC7A2 reduced the sponge of miR-4498 and further inhibited the expression of TIMP3, subsequently leading to an inflammatory response. We further determined that miR-4498 inhibitor reversed circSLC7A2-knockdown-induced OA phenotypes.
CircSLC7A2 protects against osteoarthritis through inhibition of the miR-4498/TIMP3 axis.