Circ_0049271 targets the miR-1197/PTRF axis to attenuate the malignancy of osteosarcoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play crucial roles in the development of osteosarcoma (OS).
• Understanding the specific mechanisms of circRNAs in OS is vital for developing new treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional role and underlying mechanisms of circ_0049271 in osteosarcoma progression.
• To explore the regulatory relationship between circ_0049271, microRNA-1197 (miR-1197), and polymerase 1 and transcript release factor (PTRF) in OS.

Main Methods:

• Cellular assays (colony formation, CCK-8, Transwell) were used to evaluate OS cell proliferation and invasion.
• Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting assessed expression levels of key molecules.
• RNA immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase assays determined molecular interactions.
• In vivo tumor formation assays evaluated the effect of circ_0049271 on tumor growth.

Main Results:

• Osteosarcoma cells exhibited high miR-1197 expression and low circ_0049271 and PTRF levels.
• circ_0049271 directly targeted miR-1197, thereby regulating PTRF expression.
• Overexpression of circ_0049271 or PTRF suppressed OS cell proliferation and invasion, while miR-1197 upregulation promoted these processes.
• circ_0049271 inhibited tumor growth in vivo, and PTRF overexpression counteracted the oncogenic effects of miR-1197.

Conclusions:

• circ_0049271 functions as a tumor suppressor in osteosarcoma by targeting the miR-1197/PTRF axis.
• This circRNA-mediated pathway offers a potential therapeutic strategy for osteosarcoma treatment.