Circular RNAs (
circRNAs) are becoming new therapeutic drug targets. However, their profiles under
astilbin treatment have not been reported yet. In this study, we analysed the global reprogramming of
circRNA transcriptome and a regulatory network of
circRNAs with their targeted genes under
astilbin treatment in
pulmonary fibrosis. A total of 145
circRNAs were differentially expressed in the
astilbin-treated group compared with the
bleomycin-treated group using
RNA sequencing. In the
bleomycin- and
astilbin-treated groups, 29 coexpressed
circRNAs were found. The maximum number of
circRNAs was distributed on chromosome two, and their length varieties were mainly within 1000 bp. Four differentially expressed
circRNAs (
circRNA-662, 949, 394 and 986) were tested to validate the
RNA sequencing data, and their targeted
microRNAs and genes were analysed by qRT-PCR, Western blot, Pearson correlation coefficient, a dual-
luciferase reporter system and anti-AGO2
RNA immunoprecipitation. The results showed that circRNA-662 and 949 can act as "miR-29b sponges" targeting Gli2 and STAT3 to exert their functions. Our work suggests that the transcriptome complexity at the
circRNA level under
astilbin treatment. These
circRNAs may be potential molecular targets for drug action.