Circular RNA hsa_circ_0001649 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression via multiple miRNAs sponge

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a critical role in the development of various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• Hsa_circ_0001649 (circ-0001649), derived from the SHPRH gene, has been implicated in tumor development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the specific mechanism by which circ-0001649 influences the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• To analyze the regulatory role of circ-0001649 in HCC cell proliferation and migration.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to assess circ-0001649 levels in HCC cell lines and tissues.
• Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation (RIP), and western blot to verify molecular interactions.
• In vitro (EdU, Transwell) and in vivo (tumourigenicity) assays to evaluate the functional roles of circ-0001649.

Main Results:

• Circ-0001649 expression was significantly decreased in HCC cell lines and tumor tissues compared to normal controls.
• Overexpression of circ-0001649 markedly inhibited HCC cell proliferation and migration both in vitro and in vivo.
• Circ-0001649 was confirmed to target SHPRH and act as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miR-127-5p, miR-612, and miR-4688, thereby activating SHPRH.

Conclusions:

• Circ-0001649 is downregulated in HCC and functions as a tumor suppressor.
• Circ-0001649 inhibits HCC progression by regulating cellular proliferation and migration through a mechanism involving sponging multiple miRNAs and activating SHPRH.