Fig 1: circPI4KB transported the protective miRNA-122 to extra-hepatocyte, resulting in lipid deposition in hepatocyte due to decreased intra-hepatocyte level of miRNA-122, (n = 3). (A) Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the level of TG in each group. (B) Oil red O staining validated the steatosis in L02 cells with FFA-induced and overexpressed (circPI4KB) or inhibited plasmids (sh-circPI4KB) transfected, respectively (40×). (C) RT-qPCR showed the level of expression of intra- and extra-hepatocyte miRNA-122 after transfection with overexpressed (circPI4KB) or inhibited plasmids (sh-circPI4KB). (D) RT-qPCR analyses showed the modification of mRNA and protein levels of miRNA-122-downstream cholesterol synthesis (HMGCR, FAS, SREBP2) and TG synthesis (Agpat1 and Dgat1) after overexpressing or inhibiting circPI4KB. (E–J) Western blot (E) and gray value analysis (F–J) showed the protein levels of HMGCR, FAS, SREBP2, Agpat1, and Dgat1 after overexpressing or inhibiting circPI4KB. (* p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01; *** p < 0.001; ns: not significant).