RNF7 Induces Skeletal Muscle Cell Apoptosis and Arrests Cell Autophagy via Upregulation of THBS1 and Inactivation of the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway in a Rat Sepsis Model

Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been highlighted for extensive functionality in sepsis. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of RNF7 in the progression of sepsis. We initially established a rat model of sepsis through cecal ligation and puncture induction, whereupon RNF7 expression was determined by RT-qPCR. Following adenovirus infection, the role of RNF7 in muscle injury, skeletal muscle protein metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation in sepsis rats was analyzed. Then, downstream mechanisms of RNF7 were identified and validated. Further, lipopolysaccharide was applied to treat myoblast to further demonstrate the in vitro role of RNF7. Our results showed that RNF7 expression was upregulated during sepsis. Overexpression of RNF7 worsened the sepsis-induced skeletal muscle injury, induced skeletal muscle protein metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation in sepsis rats. Meanwhile, overexpression of RNF7 elevated thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) expression. Silencing of RNF7 inhibited THBS1 and activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, arresting the release of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress levels in skeletal muscle cells. Altogether, RNF7 may promote skeletal muscle cell apoptosis while simultaneously inhibiting cell autophagy through the promotion of THBS1 and inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.