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Updated: Feb 10, 2026
A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis
Published on: March 8, 2022
circRNA_0084043 promote malignant melanoma progression via miR-153-3p/Snail axis
Wenkang Luan1, Yan Shi2, Zhou Zhou3
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
Abstract:
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been found to play an important role in the regulation of multiple diseases, and participate in cancer development. However, the role of circRNA in malignant melanoma has not been reported. In this study, human circRNA microarray was used to screen the dysregulated circRNA in melanoma. We found that circRNA_0084043 was significantly up-regulated in melanoma tissue, and the result was replicated in a larger sample size. High circRNA_0084043 expression was an independent risk factor of overall survival in melanoma patients. circRNA_0084043 promotes melanoma cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that circRNA_0084043 directly binds to miR-153-3p, and Snail is directly targeted by miR-153-3p. We also demonstrated that circRNA_0084043 may act as the sponge of miR-153-3p to up-regulate Snail expression, and consequently function as an oncogene in melanoma. Overall, this result elucidates a new mechanism for circRNA_0084043 in melanoma development and provides a potential therapeutic target for melanoma patients.
Insights
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in diseases. This study identifies circRNA_0084043 as a key oncogene in malignant melanoma, promoting tumor growth and progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in various diseases, including cancer.
- The specific role of circRNAs in malignant melanoma pathogenesis remained largely uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of circRNAs in malignant melanoma.
- To identify specific circRNAs involved in melanoma development and progression.
Main Methods:
- Human circRNA microarray analysis to screen for differentially expressed circRNAs in melanoma.
- Validation in a larger patient cohort.
- Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays to elucidate molecular mechanisms.
Main Results:
- circRNA_0084043 was significantly upregulated in melanoma tissues and associated with poorer overall survival.
- High expression of circRNA_0084043 promoted melanoma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration.
- circRNA_0084043 acts as a molecular sponge for miR-153-3p, leading to increased Snail expression.
Conclusions:
- circRNA_0084043 functions as an oncogene in malignant melanoma by regulating the miR-153-3p/Snail axis.
- circRNA_0084043 represents a potential therapeutic target for melanoma patients.
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