Circular RNA-0072309 has antitumor influences in Hep3B cell line by targeting microRNA-665

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Liver cancer is a prevalent malignancy with a high mortality rate.
• The role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in liver cancer pathogenesis is an emerging area of research.
• Understanding the specific mechanisms of circRNAs, such as circRNA-0072309, is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the function and mechanism of circRNA-0072309 in liver cancer.
• To determine the relationship between circRNA-0072309, microRNA (miR)-665, and key signaling pathways involved in liver cancer progression.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot were used to examine the expression of circRNA-0072309 and related proteins.
• Cellular assays including CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, migration, and invasion assays were performed on transfected Hep3B cells.
• Luciferase reporter assays were employed to confirm the direct targeting interaction between circRNA-0072309 and miR-665.

Main Results:

• CircRNA-0072309 expression was found to be downregulated in liver cancer tissues and positively correlated with a higher 5-year survival rate.
• Overexpression of circRNA-0072309 significantly inhibited cell viability, colony formation, migration, and invasion, while promoting apoptosis.
• CircRNA-0072309 directly targets and negatively regulates miR-665, leading to the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways.

Conclusions:

• CircRNA-0072309 functions as a tumor suppressor in liver cancer.
• The antitumor effects of circRNA-0072309 are mediated through its targeting of miR-665 and subsequent deactivation of the PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin pathways.
• CircRNA-0072309 represents a potential therapeutic target for liver cancer treatment.