The circ_0004463/miR-380-3p/FOXO1 axis modulates mitochondrial respiration and bladder cancer cell apoptosis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Bladder cancer is a prevalent and lethal malignancy.
• Noncoding RNAs show promise as bladder cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate a novel bladder cancer-associated circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network.
• To investigate the role of the circ_0004463/miR-380-3p/FOXO1 axis in bladder cancer progression.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA expression in bladder cancer tissues and cells.
• Investigation of the functional roles of circ_0004463 and miR-380-3p in bladder cancer cell lines.
• Luciferase reporter assays to confirm direct targeting interactions.

Main Results:

• Circ_0004463 was significantly downregulated, while miR-380-3p was upregulated in bladder cancer.
• Circ_0004463 suppressed bladder cancer cell proliferation and mitochondrial respiration.
• miR-380-3p promoted proliferation and mitochondrial respiration, acting as an oncogenic miRNA.
• The circ_0004463/miR-380-3p/FOXO1 axis regulates bladder cancer cell apoptosis and mitochondrial respiration.

Conclusions:

• The circ_0004463/miR-380-3p/FOXO1 axis is a critical regulatory pathway in bladder cancer.
• Circ_0004463 functions as a tumor suppressor by targeting the miR-380-3p/FOXO1 pathway.
• This axis represents a potential therapeutic target for bladder cancer treatment.