Hsa-let-7f-1-3p targeting the circadian gene Bmal1 mediates intervertebral disc degeneration by regulating autophagy

The intervertebral disc has an intrinsic circadian rhythm, elimination of which leads to stress in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), contributing to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Disruption or deletion of Bmal1 (a core transcription factor) results in complete loss of circadian rhythms, make mice susceptibility to IDD. However, the underlying mechanism by which Bmal1 mediates IDD is remains enigmatic, and whether there are other up-stream factors regulating Bmal1 in NPCs. In our study, we first found that the decrease of Bmal1 was significantly correlated with the grades of IDD. With gain-and loss-of-function, Bmal1 shown a protective effect on NPC viability and functions. Transcriptomic and proteomic landscape reveals the functional contributions of Bmal1, and phosphoproteomic analysis links to autophagy. Bioinformatics analysis identified that a novel miRNA hsa-let-7f-1-3p was directly target Bmal1 3'UTR and negatively correlated with NPC function. Finally, our animal model confirmed the protective role of Bmal1 in rat IDD and this effect could be attenuated by hsa-let-7f-1-3p. The hsa-let-7f-1-3p/Bmal1/autophagy axis provides a potential therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of IDD.

Automated summary

The intervertebral disc has an intrinsic circadian rhythm, which plays a crucial role in the development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). This study explores the involvement of Bmal1 in IDD and reveals a potential therapeutic target, hsa-let-7f-1-3p, which negatively regulates Bmal1 and impacts NPC function. The findings provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of IDD and offer a potential therapeutic strategy.