Circular RNA circ-NT5C2 acts as an oncogene in osteosarcoma proliferation and metastasis through targeting miR-448

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous noncoding RNAs involved in various pathophysiological processes.
• The role of circRNAs in osteosarcoma tumorigenesis remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate circRNA expression profiles in osteosarcoma.
• To determine the function of circ-NT5C2 in osteosarcoma development.
• To explore circ-NT5C2 as a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

• Human circRNAs microarray analysis identified differentially expressed circRNAs.
• Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot validated circ-NT5C2 expression.
• Cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis assays were performed in vitro.
• Tumor growth inhibition was assessed in vivo.
• Luciferase reporter assays and RNA immunoprecipitation confirmed the interaction between circ-NT5C2 and miR-448.

Main Results:

• Microarray analysis revealed 785 differentially expressed circRNAs in osteosarcoma tissues.
• Circ-NT5C2 was significantly upregulated in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines.
• Circ-NT5C2 expression showed an AUC of 0.753, indicating diagnostic potential.
• Silencing circ-NT5C2 suppressed osteosarcoma cell proliferation and invasion, and induced apoptosis.
• Circ-NT5C2 acts as a sponge for miR-448, inhibiting its function.

Conclusions:

• Circ-NT5C2 is upregulated in osteosarcoma and promotes tumor progression by sponging miR-448.
• Circ-NT5C2 may serve as a valuable diagnostic biomarker for osteosarcoma.
• Circ-NT5C2 represents a potential novel therapeutic target for osteosarcoma treatment.