The Analysis of Differentially Expressed circRNAs Under the Antiproliferative Effect From 5-Fluorouracil on

AiJun Huang1, LiPing Chen2, YiMing Wang1

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China.

Abstract

Insights

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) inhibits osteosarcoma cell viability and increases apoptosis. This study identifies differentially expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulated by 5-FU, suggesting their role in tumor suppression.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a standard chemotherapy agent.
  • Its precise mechanisms in osteosarcoma (OS) remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of 5-FU on osteosarcoma cell viability and apoptosis.
  • To identify and analyze circular RNAs (circRNAs) differentially expressed in response to 5-FU treatment in OS cells.

Main Methods:

  • Osteosarcoma cell lines (U2OS, MG63) were treated with varying concentrations of 5-FU.
  • Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed using MTS assays and flow cytometry.
  • Circular RNA expression was profiled using RNA sequencing and validated by qPCR.
  • Bioinformatic analyses (KEGG, GO) and network construction were performed to predict circRNA functions and interactions.

Main Results:

  • 5-FU demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of MG63 cell viability and induced apoptosis.
  • RNA sequencing identified 183 differentially expressed circRNAs (172 upregulated, 11 downregulated) in 5-FU-treated cells.
  • Enriched functions for these circRNAs included proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolism, with a constructed network highlighting tumor-suppressive genes.

Conclusions:

  • 5-FU treatment alters circRNA expression profiles in osteosarcoma cells.
  • These differentially expressed circRNAs are associated with proliferation and apoptosis, mediating 5-FU's anti-tumor effects in OS.