circ_0046599 Promotes HCC Progression by Competing with miR-1322 to Enhance NT5DC2 Expression

Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of circ_0046599 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Analysis of the GEO dataset identified circ_0046599 as significantly upregulated in HCC, and its impact on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion was assessed. Bioinformatics and dual-luciferase assays identified miR-1322 as a target of circ_0046599, which in turn regulates NT5DC2 expression. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed the ceRNA mechanism of circ_0046599 in HCC. Results: circ_0046599 was significantly upregulated in HCC, and predicts a worse survival in HCC patients. Increased expression of circ_0046599 promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inhibited apoptosis. circ_0046599 bound to miR-1322, which exerted a tumor-suppressive effect in HCC cells. miR-1322 targeted NT5DC2, and circ_0046599 regulated the expression of NT5DC2 by competitively binding to miR-1322. Modulation of NT5DC2 expression affected the oncogenic role of circ_0046599. In in vivo experiments, inhibition of circ_0046599 suppressed the growth of xenograft tumors by upregulating miR-1322 expression and suppressing NT5DC2. Conclusion: circ_0046599 promoted the progression of HCC by competitively binding to miR-1322 and regulating the expression of NT5DC2.