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Updated: Jan 27, 2026
Use of Alu Element Containing Minigenes to Analyze Circular RNAs
Published on: March 10, 2020
Altered expression profile of circular RNAs in conjunctival melanoma
Qingfeng Shang1,2, Yongyun Li1,2, Huixue Wang1,2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 12, Lane 833, Zhizaoju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200001, PR China.
Abstract:
Aim: We aimed to explore the roles of circular RNA (circRNA) in conjunctival melanoma. Materials & methods: The altered circRNAs were identified by RNA sequencing. The function of one circRNA, circMTUS1, was explored by several experiments in conjunctival melanoma. Bioinformatic analyses and an RNA immunoprecipitation assay were performed to further study the downstream mechanism of circMTUS1. Results: We identified 9300 different circRNAs in conjunctival melanoma tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. CircMTUS1 was upregulated in conjunctival melanoma. Silencing of circMTUS1 inhibited conjunctival melanoma proliferation in vitro and in vivo. CircMTUS1 may serve as an oncogene by binding to hsa-miR-622 and hsa-miR-1208 to regulate several tumor-related pathways. Conclusion: We demonstrated that circMTUS1 may serve as an oncogene to promote tumor proliferation.
Insights
Circular RNA (circRNA) circMTUS1 promotes conjunctival melanoma growth. Inhibiting circMTUS1 suppressed tumor proliferation, suggesting its potential as an oncogene target for treating this rare eye cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Conjunctival melanoma is a rare eye cancer.
- The role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in its development is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of circRNAs in conjunctival melanoma.
- To identify specific circRNAs involved in tumor progression.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed circRNAs.
- Functional experiments (in vitro and in vivo) to assess circMTUS1's role.
- Bioinformatic analysis and RNA immunoprecipitation assay to elucidate the mechanism.
Main Results:
- Over 9300 circRNAs were identified as differentially expressed.
- circMTUS1 was found to be upregulated in conjunctival melanoma tissues.
- Silencing circMTUS1 inhibited tumor cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo.
- circMTUS1 was shown to interact with hsa-miR-622 and hsa-miR-1208, influencing tumor-related pathways.
Conclusions:
- circMTUS1 acts as an oncogene in conjunctival melanoma.
- circMTUS1 promotes tumor proliferation through interactions with specific microRNAs.
- circMTUS1 represents a potential therapeutic target for conjunctival melanoma.
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