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Updated: Aug 12, 2025
Reconstruct Human Retinoblastoma In Vitro
Published on: October 11, 2022
Hsa_circ_0119412 Contributes to Development of Retinoblastoma by Targeting miR-186-5p/ELK4 Axis
Xiaodong Li1, Ying Wang2, Baoying Zhang1
1Ophthalmology Department, Baicheng Central Hospital, No.111 Zhongxing West Road, Taobei District, Baicheng, Jilin, 137000, China.
Abstract:
Increasing evidences indicate the crucial role of circRNAs in tumorigenesis, but little is understood about their molecular mechanism in retinoblastoma (RB). This paper was designed for exploring the circ_0119412 function in cases with RB and the potential mechanism. RT-qPCR was utilized to ascertain circ_0119412 and miR-186-5p levels in RB tissues and cells, and western blotting was used to quantify ELK4 in RB cells. In addition, CCK-8 and scratch assays were carried out for evaluation of cell proliferation and migration, respectively. Apoptosis-related proteins levels (Bax and Bcl-2) were measure by western blotting. Tumor growth in vivo was detected utilizing xenograft tumor experiment. The targeting relationship between circ_0119412, miR-186-5p, and ELK4 was validated using a dual-luciferase reporter assay and an RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. In RB tissues and cells, Circ_0119412 and ELK4 expression were upregulated, while miR-186-5p expression was downregulated. In vitro assay revealed that downregulating circ_0119412 accelerated the cell apoptosis of RB cells and slowed down their migration and proliferation, and the in vivo assay indicated that circ_0119412 downregulation reduced the weight and volume of tumor in nude mice. In addition, miR-186-5p interference promoted the malignant behavior of RB cells, while ELK4 silencing showed an opposite trend. Mechanically, circ_0119412 can promote RB malignant phenotypes via miR-186-5p/ELK4 axis. Circ_0119412 was found to be upregulated in RB, and could accelerate the progression of RB via the miR-186-5p/ELK4 axis, indicating circ_0119412 may serve a promising clinical therapeutic target of RB.
Insights
Circular RNA circ_0119412 promotes retinoblastoma (RB) progression by regulating the miR-186-5p/ELK4 axis. Downregulating circ_0119412 inhibits RB cell proliferation, migration, and tumor growth, suggesting it as a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a role in tumorigenesis, but their specific mechanisms in retinoblastoma (RB) are not fully understood.
- Understanding the molecular underpinnings of circRNAs in RB is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function and mechanism of circ_0119412 in retinoblastoma (RB).
- To explore the potential of circ_0119412 as a clinical therapeutic target for RB.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) to measure circ_0119412, miR-186-5p, and ELK4 expression.
- Cell proliferation (CCK-8), migration (scratch assays), and apoptosis assays were performed.
- Western blotting quantified apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2) and ELK4.
- In vivo xenograft tumor experiments assessed tumor growth.
- Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays validated molecular interactions.
Main Results:
- Circ_0119412 and ELK4 were upregulated, while miR-186-5p was downregulated in RB tissues and cells.
- Downregulating circ_0119412 inhibited RB cell proliferation, migration, and induced apoptosis in vitro, and reduced tumor growth in vivo.
- MiR-186-5p interference promoted RB malignancy, whereas ELK4 silencing had an opposite effect.
- Circ_0119412 promotes RB progression via the miR-186-5p/ELK4 axis.
Conclusions:
- Circ_0119412 is upregulated in retinoblastoma and accelerates its progression.
- The circ_0119412/miR-186-5p/ELK4 axis is a key mechanism driving RB malignancy.
- Circ_0119412 represents a potential therapeutic target for retinoblastoma treatment.
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