Circ_0011373 promotes papillary thyroid carcinoma progression by regulating miR-1271/LRP6 axis

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Oncology
• RNA Biology

Background:

• Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying PTC progression is crucial for developing effective treatments.
• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as important regulators in various cancers, including PTC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the regulatory role of circ_0011373 in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanism involving circ_0011373, microRNA (miR)-1271, and lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) in PTC.
• To explore the potential of targeting the circ_0011373/miR-1271/LRP6 axis for PTC therapy.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to assess expression levels of circ_0011373, miR-1271, and LRP6 mRNA.
• Cellular assays including flow cytometry for cell cycle and apoptosis, and transwell assays for migration and invasion.
• Dual-luciferase reporter and RIP assays to confirm direct interactions between molecules.
• Western blot analysis to evaluate protein expression.
• In vivo xenograft tumor models to validate the role of circ_0011373 in tumor growth.

Main Results:

• Circ_0011373 and LRP6 were significantly upregulated, while miR-1271 was downregulated in PTC tissues and cell lines.
• Knockdown of circ_0011373 inhibited PTC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while promoting apoptosis.
• Circ_0011373 directly interacted with miR-1271, which in turn targeted LRP6. Circ_0011373 positively regulated LRP6 expression.
• Overexpression of miR-1271 suppressed PTC cell progression by regulating LRP6, and circ_0011373 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions:

• Circ_0011373 promotes PTC progression by regulating the miR-1271/LRP6 axis.
• The circ_0011373/miR-1271/LRP6 pathway represents a potential therapeutic target for papillary thyroid carcinoma.
• Targeting circ_0011373 could be a promising strategy for inhibiting PTC development.