Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2025
An In Vitro Protocol for Evaluating MicroRNA Levels, Functions, and Associated Target Genes in Tumor Cells
Published on: May 21, 2019
CircDUSP22 Overexpression Restrains Pancreatic Cancer Development via Modulating miR-1178-3p and Downstream BNIP3
Yingqi Shi1, Meiqin Shen2, Yanmei Yang2
1Department of Gastroenterology, Nantong First People's Hospital, No. 6 Haier Lane North Road, Nantong, 226000, Jiangsu, China. shiyq2016@163.com.
Abstract:
Aberrant expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) is important in carcinogenesis, however, many differentially expressed circRNAs have not been functionally characterized. This study aimed to unveil the role of circRNA-dual specificity phosphatase 22 (circDUSP22) in pancreatic cancer (PaCa). Expression analyses of circDUSP22, miR-1178-3p and BCL2 interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) were carried out using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or western blotting. Cell growth was assessed by MTT, EdU and colony formation assays. Cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis were investigated using flow cytometry assay. The assumed binding relationship between miR-1178-3p and circDUSP22 or BNIP3 was testified by dual-luciferase reporter and pull-down assays. The effect of circDUSP22 in vivo was identified by animal studies. The decreased expression of circDUSP22 was observed in PaCa samples and cells. CircDUSP22 ectopic expression in vitro blocked PaCa cell proliferation, arrested cell cycle and provoked cell apoptosis. CircDUSP22 targeted miR-1178-3p, whose expression was reinforced in PaCa. The inhibitory cell growth caused by circDUSP22 ectopic expression was reversed by miR-1178-3p enrichment. In addition, miR-1178-3p targeted BNIP3, whose expression was declined in PaCa. The inhibitory cell growth caused by circDUSP22 ectopic expression was reversed by BNIP3 knockdown. CircDUSP22 overexpression in vivo decelerated tumor growth. CircDUSP22 upregulation blocked PaCa development partly by targeting miR-1178-3p and increasing BNIP3, implying the potential implication of circDUSP22 in targeted therapy of PaCa.
Insights
Circular RNA dual specificity phosphatase 22 (circDUSP22) is downregulated in pancreatic cancer (PaCa). Upregulating circDUSP22 inhibits PaCa cell growth and tumor development by targeting miR-1178-3p and BNIP3.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Aberrant circular RNA (circRNA) expression is linked to cancer development.
- Many differentially expressed circRNAs lack functional characterization, hindering therapeutic strategies.
- Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) remains a significant challenge with limited effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional role of circRNA-dual specificity phosphatase 22 (circDUSP22) in pancreatic cancer (PaCa).
- To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying circDUSP22's action in PaCa progression.
- To assess the potential of circDUSP22 as a therapeutic target for PaCa.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting for expression analysis.
- In vitro assays (MTT, EdU, colony formation, flow cytometry) for cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis.
- Dual-luciferase reporter and pull-down assays to confirm molecular interactions.
- In vivo animal studies to evaluate therapeutic efficacy.
Main Results:
- circDUSP22 expression was significantly decreased in PaCa tissues and cells.
- Ectopic expression of circDUSP22 inhibited PaCa cell proliferation, arrested the cell cycle, and induced apoptosis.
- circDUSP22 directly targeted miR-1178-3p, and miR-1178-3p targeted BNIP3, with both showing altered expression in PaCa.
- circDUSP22 overexpression suppressed tumor growth in vivo, partly via the circDUSP22/miR-1178-3p/BNIP3 axis.
Conclusions:
- circDUSP22 functions as a tumor suppressor in pancreatic cancer.
- The circDUSP22/miR-1178-3p/BNIP3 pathway is a key regulator of PaCa progression.
- circDUSP22 holds potential as a novel therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
01:22MicroRNAs