Fig. 8: A schematic diagram of the biological function of circGMCL1 in Crohn’s colitis.

The downregulation of circGMCL1 lowered ANXA7 expression by sponging miR-124-3p, thereby decreasing autophagy in epithelial cells and increasing NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and release of proinflammatory cytokines. This resulted in aggravation of colitis and damage to the intestinal barrier function. ANXA7, annexin 7, ORF Open Reading Frame, IL interleukin.