To investigate the role of miR-372/Beclin-1 on nerve cell apoptosis induced by spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury (SCII). We established in vivo and in vitro SCII model. MiR-372 and Beclin-1 expressions in spinal cord tissues of SCII rats and SCII nerve cells were measured. The cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. MiR-372 inhibitor was used to reduce miR-372 expression. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the interaction between miR-372 and Beclin-1. MiR-372 expression in spinal cord tissues of SCII rats and SCII nerve cells was increased, while Beclin-1 expression was decreased. Knockdown of miR-372 could inhibit SCII nerve cell apoptosis. In addition, MiR-372 could negatively regulate Beclin-1 expression. Autophagy inhibitor could inhibit autophagy to promote the apoptosis of SCII nerve cells through decreasing Beclin-1, while interference of miR-372 changed the effect of autophagy inhibitor. Interference of miR-372 could reduce nerve cell apoptosis in SCII via increasing autophagy by up-regulating Beclin-1.
Keywords: Autophagy; Beclin-1; Nerve cell apoptosis; Spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury; miR-372.