circRNA_0058097 promotes tension‐induced degeneration of endplate chondrocytes by regulating HDAC4 expression through sponge adsorption of miR‐365a‐5p

Abstract Excessive mechanical tension can lead to the degeneration of endplate chondrocytes. The presence of tension‐sensitive circRNA_0058097 molecules has been detected in human endplate chondrocytes, where it was found to be a potential competing endogenous RNA. Indeed, inhibiting the expression of circRNA_0058097 effectively enhanced the stress resistance of endplate chondrocytes, suggesting that it may be an important trigger point for the degeneration of endplate cartilage. Through a series of experiments, we reveal that circRNA_0058097 can upregulate the expression of downstream target gene histone deacetylase 4 by sponge adsorption of miR‐365a‐5p, which promoted morphological changes of endplate chondrocytes, and increased extracellular matrix degradation and degeneration of endplate cartilage. Therefore, circRNA_0058097 may provide a new way to prevent and treat endplate cartilage degeneration.