CiRS-7 targeting miR-7 modulates the progression of non-small cell lung cancer in a manner dependent on NF-κB...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Gene Regulation

Background:

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving NSCLC progression is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
• The role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and their interactions with microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer is an emerging area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional role of the ciRS-7/miR-7/NF-κB signaling axis in the pathogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer.
• To elucidate the molecular interactions between ciRS-7, miR-7, and the NF-κB pathway component RELA in NSCLC cells.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis to assess gene and protein expression levels.
• Luciferase reporter assays to confirm direct targeting interactions between ciRS-7, miR-7, and RELA.
• In vitro functional assays including CCK-8, wound-healing, and flow cytometry to evaluate cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis.

Main Results:

• ciRS-7 and RELA were significantly upregulated, while miR-7 was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines compared to normal controls.
• Overexpression of ciRS-7 and underexpression of miR-7 correlated with increased NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and decreased apoptosis.
• ciRS-7 directly targets and downregulates miR-7, and the ciRS-7/miR-7/NF-κB axis significantly influences NSCLC cell behavior.

Conclusions:

• The ciRS-7/miR-7/NF-κB axis plays a critical role in promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer cells.
• Aberrant expression of ciRS-7, miR-7, and RELA are potential prognostic biomarkers for NSCLC.
• Targeting the ciRS-7/miR-7/NF-κB pathway may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for NSCLC treatment.