Circ_0000228 Promotes Cervical Cancer Progression via Regulating miR-337-3p /TGFBR1 Axis

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Oncology
• Genetics

Background:

• Cervical cancer (CC) remains a significant global health challenge.
• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in various cancers.
• The specific function of circ_0000228 in CC pathogenesis is largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biological role and molecular mechanism of circ_0000228 in cervical cancer.
• To explore the potential of circ_0000228 as a therapeutic target for CC.

Main Methods:

• Bioinformatic analysis of the GSE113696 dataset to identify differentially expressed circRNAs.
• Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot to assess expression levels.
• Gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies to evaluate the impact on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
• Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays to confirm molecular interactions.

Main Results:

• Circ_0000228 expression was significantly upregulated in CC tissues and cells.
• Overexpression of circ_0000228 promoted CC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
• Knockdown of circ_0000228 inhibited these processes.
• Circ_0000228 acts as a sponge for miR-337-3p, and miR-337-3p targets TGFBR1.
• Circ_0000228 indirectly upregulates TGFBR1 expression in CC cells.

Conclusions:

• Circ_0000228 enhances cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by upregulating TGFBR1 through sponging miR-337-3p.
• Circ_0000228 is identified as a potential therapeutic target for cervical cancer.