LncRNA linc00641 Inhibits the Proliferation and Differentiation of Chondrocytes and Aggravates Joint Injury by Targeting miR-320a

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of long non-coding RNA linc00641 in OA and its biological function in osteoarthritis (OA). The expression level of linc00641 in serum and cartilage tissue of OA subjects was detected by qRT-PCR. LPS-induced C28/I2 cells were used to construct cartilage injury models in vitro. The effects of linc00641 on the viability, apoptosis, inflammation, proliferation, and differentiation of chondrocyte models were evaluated. The target gene of linc00641 was predicted to be miR-320 through the database, and the relationship between linc00641 and miR-320a was verified using luciferase reporter gene assay. The effect of miR-320a on chondrocyte model was further evaluated. Linc00641 was significantly upregulated in serum and cartilage tissue of patients with knee OA. Functionally, downregulation of linc00641 can improve the inhibition of proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes induced by LPS, as well as the promotion of apoptosis and inflammation. In addition, linc00641 can target and regulate the expression of miR-320a. Reduced expression of miR-320a reversed the positive effects of linc00641 inhibition on C28/I2 cell function. Linc00641 may inhibit proliferation and differentiation of C28/I2 cells through targeted inhibition of miR-320a, thus increasing the injury of cartilage tissue during OA.