Differential Circular RNA Expression Profiling During Osteogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells from Apical Papilla

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> This study aimed to investigate the distinct expression pattern of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) during osteogenesis. <b>Materials & methods:</b> Isolated SCAPs were cultured in growth medium or osteogenic medium, respectively. Total RNA was extracted and submitted to RNA-sequencing. Expression profiles of circRNAs and constructed circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks were determined. <b>Results:</b> A total of 333 unregulated circRNAs and 317 downregulated circRNAs in osteogenic differentiation were detected. Bioinformatics analysis identified that several biological pathways may be associated with osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs. Moreover, ten circRNAs, 21 miRNAs and 19 mRNAs were selected to construct competing endogenous RNA networks. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study revealed that expression profiles of circRNAs were significantly altered and specific circRNAs might function as competing endogenous RNAs in SCAPs during osteogenic differentiation.