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Hsa_circ_0004712 downregulation attenuates ovarian cancer malignant development by targeting the miR-331-3p/FZD4

Xuan Zhou1, Jinchi Jiang2, Shuaishuai Guo3

  • 1Reproductive Medicine Center, Shenyang Women's and Children's Hospital, No. 87 Danan Street, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, China.

Journal of Ovarian Research
|September 11, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) like hsa_circ_0004712 are involved in ovarian cancer (OC). This study found hsa_circ_0004712 promotes OC by regulating the miR-331-3p/FZD4 pathway, suggesting it as a potential biomarker.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their role in various cancers, including ovarian cancer (OC).
  • Understanding the specific functions of individual circRNAs, such as hsa_circ_0004712, is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
  • This study investigates the mechanism of hsa_circ_0004712 in the context of OC development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the functional role of hsa_circ_0004712 in ovarian cancer.
  • To explore the molecular mechanism underlying the action of hsa_circ_0004712 in OC.
  • To assess the potential of hsa_circ_0004712 as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for OC.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time PCR to assess hsa_circ_0004712 expression levels in OC tissues and cells.
  • In vitro assays (proliferation, colony formation, invasion, migration, apoptosis) to evaluate the functional impact of hsa_circ_0004712.
  • In vivo tumor xenograft models to confirm the role of hsa_circ_0004712 in tumor development.
  • Luciferase reporter assays and Western blotting to confirm targeting relationships between hsa_circ_0004712, miR-331-3p, and FZD4.

Main Results:

  • hsa_circ_0004712 was significantly overexpressed in OC tissues and cell lines.
  • Downregulation of hsa_circ_0004712 suppressed OC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted apoptosis.
  • hsa_circ_0004712 acts as a sponge for miR-331-3p, leading to increased FZD4 expression, and this pathway was validated both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions:

  • hsa_circ_0004712 promotes ovarian cancer progression by regulating the miR-331-3p/FZD4 axis.
  • Inhibition of hsa_circ_0004712 demonstrates anti-tumor effects in OC models.
  • hsa_circ_0004712 represents a potential biomarker for OC diagnosis and a therapeutic target.
Keywords:
FZD4Ovarian cancerhsa_circ_0004712miR-331-3p

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