| Expression pattern: |
UP |
| Associated gene: |
IGF2BP2, SP1 |
| Associated microRNA: |
- |
| Biological function: |
promotes macrophage activation/polarization, macrophage infiltration, EMT, renal fibrosis, and proteinuria in DKD |
| Molecular mechanism: |
circUBXN7 binds the m6A reader IGF2BP2 and forms an RNA-protein complex with IGF2BP2 and SP1 to enhance IGF2BP2-dependent SP1 mRNA stability; SP1 also transcriptionally upregulates circUBXN7 (positive feedback loop). |
| Biological pathway or process: |
EMT (promotes); fibrosis (promotes); invasion (not specified) |
| Detected method: |
Q
M
|
| Validation methods: |
Microarray; RT-qPCR; Back-Splice Junction PCR / divergent primers PCR; RNase R Treatment; Sanger Sequencing; Actinomycin D / DRB Stability Assay; Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Fractionation; FISH / smFISH; Western Blot; IF (Immunofluorescence); RNA Pull-Down; RIP (RNA Immunoprecipitation); Luciferase Reporter Assay; ChIP / ChIP-seq; Transfection; In Vivo Animal Model; ELISA; H&E Staining |
| Clinical significance: |
circUBXN7 is significantly upregulated in DKD patient plasma, correlates with renal function (urinary albumin and UACR), and might serve as an independent biomarker for DKD patients. |
| Description: |
circUBXN7 is up-regulated in DKD patient plasma and HG-stimulated HK-2 cells, and promotes macrophage activation/infiltration, tubular EMT, and renal fibrosis, worsening DKD phenotypes in db/db mice. Mechanistically, it binds IGF2BP2 to enhance SP1 mRNA stability and forms a positive feedback loop where SP1 transcriptionally increases circUBXN7. |
| Confidence score: |
0.8133 |