Exosomal lncRNA DUXAP8 affecting CHPF2 in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms

Objective: This study endeavored to explore the relationship between exosome-derived lncRNA Double Homeobox A Pseudogene 8 (DUXAP8) and Chondroitin Polymerizing Factor 2 (CHPF2), and their roles in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysm (IA).

Methods: The shared targeted molecules (DUXAP8 and CHPF2) were detected via GSE122897 and GSE75436 datasets. A total of 312 patients with IAs were incorporated into this study. Exosomes were isolated from serum samples, and their identity was confirmed using Western blotting for exosomal markers (CD9, CD63 and ALIX). Inflammatory responses in IA tissues were evaluated using Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. CHPF2 protein concentration and the expression levels of DUXAP8 and CHPF2 mRNA in exosomal samples were assessed using Immunochemistry (IHC), Western Blotting, and qRT-PCR, respectively. Cell-based assays involving Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HuvECs), including transfection with exosomal DUXAP8, Western Blotting, qRT-PCR, and Cell Counting Kit-8, were conducted. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were derived using SPSS.

Results: DUXAP8 level affects the level of CHPF2. DUXAP8 expression within exosomes was associated with increased CD9, CD63, ALIX and CHPF2 levels during IA development and inflammatory stress. In HuvECs, transfection with exosomes carrying DUXAP8 siRNA resulted in reduced CHPF2 expression, whereas DUXAP8 mimic increased CHPF2 concentrations. The Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC) for exosomal DUXAP8 expression and CHPF2 levels, and aneurysm size was 0.768 (95% CI, 0.613 to 0.924), 0.937 (95% CI, 0.853 to 1.000), and 0.943 (95% CI, 0.860, 1.000), respectively.

Conclusion: Exosome-derived DUXAP8 promotes IA progression by affecting CHPF2 expression.