LncRNA TUSC7 protects against spinal cord injury by targeting SIRT1

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes sensory and motor deficits that significantly lower the quality of human life. This investigation aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of lncRNA tumor suppressor candidate-7 (TUSC7) in SCI.METHODS: The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) is a locomotion scale that evaluates the hindlimb’s functional recovery in SCI rat models. The in-vitro SCI model was prepared by treating PC12 cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The quantity of TUSC7 in the spinal cord or PC12 cells was assessed by qRT-PCR. The interaction of TUSC7 with Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was assessed via RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Furthermore, the expression of SIRT1 and apoptotic proteins were identified using western blot assessment. Additionally, the cell viability rate was elucidated via the MTT test. Lastly, inflammatory markers were identified with the help of Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.RESULTS: The investigation indicated downregulated TUSC7 expression in the SCI rat model and LPS-inoculated PC12 cells. It was indicated that TUSC7 binds SIRT1 and regulates its levels. Furthermore, its overexpression suppressed LPS-mediated in-vitro inflammation and apoptosis; however, SIRT1 inhibition alleviated these effects by TUSC7.CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that TUSC7 might be a potent SCI therapeutic target by regulating inflammation and apoptosis via SIRT1.