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Published on: August 2, 2024
circKRT7-miR-29a-3p-COL1A1 Axis Promotes Ovarian Cancer Cell Progression
Qiang An1, Ting Liu1, Ming-Yang Wang1
1Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Circular RNA (circRNA) has emerged as an important regulator in the progression of human diseases. However, the role of circRNAs in ovarian cancer remains largely unknown.
Materials And Methods:
DNA sequencing and PCR were used to identify the existence and expression of circKRT7. The targeting relationship between circKRT7/miR-29a-3p and miR-29a-3p/COL1A1 was verified by fluorescence reporter assay. In vitro, colony formation, transwell and wound healing assay were used to detect the effects of circKRT7 and miR-29a-3p on the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of ovarian cancer cells. In vivo, xenograft tumor model was performed to validate the role of circKRT7 and miR-29a-3p in tumor growth.
Results:
We found that circKRT7 can promote the proliferation and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells by absorbing miR-29a-3p, which leads to the up-regulation of COL1A1. In vitro, knock-down of circKRT7 can inhibit the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. This effect of circKRT7 is achieved by adsorbing miR-29a-3p and subsequently COL1A1 release. In vivo experiments, the reduction of circKRT7 expression can also slow tumor growth, and this inhibition was partly counteracted after miR-29a-3p repression.
Conclusion:
Overall, circKRT7 promotes EMT-related cell progression by absorbing miR-29a-3p in ovarian cancer. This suggests the crucial role of circular RNA in the malignant evolution in cancer.
Insights
Circular RNA KRT7 (circKRT7) promotes ovarian cancer progression by sponging miR-29a-3p, leading to COL1A1 upregulation. Inhibiting circKRT7 suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in ovarian cancer models.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are key regulators in human disease progression.
- The specific roles of circRNAs in ovarian cancer are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function and mechanism of circKRT7 in ovarian cancer.
- To explore the regulatory network involving circKRT7, miR-29a-3p, and COL1A1 in ovarian cancer.
Main Methods:
- Identified circKRT7 expression using DNA sequencing and PCR.
- Verified targeting relationships via fluorescence reporter assays.
- Assessed proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo.
Main Results:
- circKRT7 promotes ovarian cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by sponging miR-29a-3p, upregulating COL1A1.
- Knockdown of circKRT7 inhibited ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro.
- Reduced circKRT7 expression slowed tumor growth in vivo, with partial rescue by miR-29a-3p inhibition.
Conclusions:
- circKRT7 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related progression in ovarian cancer by sponging miR-29a-3p.
- circRNAs play a critical role in the malignant evolution of ovarian cancer.
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