• circ_0000389 is significantly downregulated in degenerating nucleus pulposus tissues, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for IVDD.
• circ_0000389 acts as a sponge for miR-346, thereby upregulating KLF7 expression and inhibiting extracellular matrix catabolism in nucleus pulposus cells.
• Overexpression of miR-346 or KLF7 reverses the protective effects of circ_0000389, confirming the regulatory axis circ_0000389/miR-346/KLF7 in IVDD.
• This study identifies a novel molecular mechanism and potential therapeutic target for intervertebral disc degeneration.