Circular RNA circDLG1 contributes to HCC progression by regulating the miR-141-3p/WTAP axis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant global health challenge with limited reliable prognostic biomarkers.
• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as critical regulators in various cancers, including HCC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of circDLG1 as a potential biomarker for HCC prognosis.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying circDLG1's function in HCC progression.

Main Methods:

• Human circRNA arrays, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase reactions (q-RT-PCR), and Western blot were used for expression analysis.
• Luciferase reporter assays, RNA immunoprecipitation, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were employed to determine molecular interactions.
• Functional assays including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and in vivo/in vitro tumorigenesis experiments were conducted.

Main Results:

• circDLG1 was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines compared to normal controls.
• High circDLG1 expression was associated with shorter overall survival in HCC patients.
• circDLG1 acts as a molecular sponge for miR-141-3p, regulating WTAP expression and promoting HCC cell tumorigenesis.

Conclusions:

• circDLG1 is a promising novel circulating biomarker for HCC detection and prognosis.
• The circDLG1/miR-141-3p/WTAP axis plays a crucial role in HCC progression, offering potential therapeutic targets.