Circ-SKA3 upregulates ID3 expression by decoying miR-326 to accelerate the development of medulloblastoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant childhood brain tumor.
• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers, including MB.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role and mechanism of circRNA spindle and kinetochore associated complex subunit 3 (circ-SKA3) in medulloblastoma progression.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect circ-SKA3 expression in MB tissues and cells.
• Functional assays (proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, cell cycle) and in vivo xenograft models were employed to assess the effects of circ-SKA3.
• Mechanism was elucidated through RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assays, and rescue experiments.

Main Results:

• Circ-SKA3 expression was significantly upregulated in MB tissues and cells.
• Circ-SKA3 knockdown suppressed MB cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and inhibited tumor growth in vivo.
• Circ-SKA3 acts as a molecular sponge for miR-326, leading to increased ID3 expression, which drives MB progression.

Conclusions:

• Circ-SKA3 functions as an oncogene in medulloblastoma by upregulating ID3 expression through sponging miR-326.
• Circ-SKA3 represents a potential therapeutic target for medulloblastoma treatment.