Long noncoding RNA protein-disulfide isomerase-associated 3 regulated high glucose-induced podocyte apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy through targeting miR-139-3p

BACKGROUND Podocyte apoptosis plays a vital role in proteinuria pathogenesis in diabetic nephropathy (DN). The regulatory relationship between long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and podocyte apoptosis has recently become another research hot spot in the DN field. AIM To investigate whether lncRNA protein-disulfide isomerase-associated 3 (Pdia3) could regulate podocyte apoptosis through miR-139-3p and revealed the underlying mechanism. METHODS Using normal glucose or high glucose (HG)-cultured podocytes, the cellular functions and exact mechanisms underlying the regulatory effects of lncRNA Pdia3 on podocyte apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) were explored. LncRNA Pdia3 and miR-139-3p expression were measured through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Relative cell viability was detected through the cell counting kit-8 colorimetric assay. The podocyte apoptosis rate in each group was measured through flow cytometry. The interaction between lncRNA Pdia3 and miR-139-3p was examined through the dual luciferase reporter assay. Finally, western blotting was performed to detect the effect of lncRNA Pdia3 on podocyte apoptosis and ERS via miR-139-3p. RESULTS The expression of lncRNA Pdia3 was significantly downregulated in HG-cultured podocytes. Next, lncRNA Pdia3 was involved in HG-induced podocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, the dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed the direct interaction between lncRNA Pdia3 and miR-139-3p. LncRNA Pdia3 overexpression attenuated podocyte apoptosis and ERS through miR-139-3p in HG-cultured podocytes. CONCLUSION Taken together, this study demonstrated that lncRNA Pdia3 overexpression could attenuate HG-induced podocyte apoptosis and ERS by acting as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-139-3p, which might provide a potential therapeutic target for DN.