Circular non-coding RNA circ_0072088 serves as a ceRNA, targeting the miR-1225-5p/WT1 axis to regulate non-small cell...

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Oncology
• Gene Regulation

Background:

• Circular RNA (circRNA) circ_0072088 is implicated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
• The precise role and underlying mechanisms of circ_0072088 in NSCLC development remain largely undetermined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the functional role and molecular mechanism of circ_0072088 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
• To investigate the potential of circ_0072088 as a therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to measure circ_0072088, microRNA-1225-5p (miR-1225-5p), and Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) gene expression.
• Transwell and flow cytometry assays to assess cell migration, invasion, and apoptosis.
• Western blot analysis for MMP9, HK2, and WT1 protein levels.
• In vivo xenograft models and dual-luciferase reporter assays to confirm mechanism.

Main Results:

• Circ_0072088 and WT1 were upregulated, while miR-1225-5p was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells.
• Knockdown of circ_0072088 suppressed NSCLC cell migration, invasion, glycolysis, and promoted apoptosis in vitro.
• Circ_0072088 silencing inhibited NSCLC tumor growth in vivo.
• Mechanistically, circ_0072088 functions as a molecular sponge for miR-1225-5p, thereby regulating WT1 expression.

Conclusions:

• Circ_0072088 knockdown inhibits NSCLC cell growth, migration, invasion, and glycolysis.
• The observed effects are partially mediated through the regulation of the miR-1225-5p/WT1 axis.
• Circ_0072088 represents a promising therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer treatment.