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Updated: Jun 15, 2025
In Vivo Inhibition of MicroRNA to Decrease Tumor Growth in Mice
Published on: August 23, 2019
Genome-wide analyses identify circAQR, a circular RNA suppressing proliferation but promoting migration and invasion
Tianjiao Zhou1,2,3, Zheng Li4, Weijun Huang1,2,3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Thyroid cancer frequently metastasizes, even in small lesions, significantly impacting prognosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of tumor biology; however, their roles in thyroid cancer progression remain poorly understood. Using RNA sequencing data from clinical and GEO-derived samples, we identified 111,971 circRNAs, including 13,399 novel thyroid cancer-specific circRNAs. TNM stage-specific analysis revealed 43 circRNAs positively correlated with tumor size (Rho = 1) and 168 negatively correlated (Rho = -1). Gene Ontology enrichment analysis demonstrated that the target genes of thyroid cancer-specific circRNAs are enriched in cell developmental regulation pathways (NES = 1.74, p < 0.05). Network analysis further suggested that these circRNAs function as competing endogenous RNAs by interacting with tumor-associated microRNAs. Among these, circAQR was significantly associated with tumor size and lymph node metastasis. In vitro experiments revealed that circAQR inhibits proliferation while promoting migration and invasion in thyroid cancer cell lines. These findings highlight the pivotal role of TNM stage-specific circRNAs in thyroid cancer progression, with circAQR showing potential as a biomarker for early metastasis detection and a therapeutic target. The integration of circRNAs into clinical practice could improve early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation, contributing to more effective management of thyroid cancer.
Insights
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are key in thyroid cancer progression. This study identifies novel circRNAs, including circAQR, linked to metastasis, offering potential for early diagnosis and targeted therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Thyroid cancer frequently metastasizes, impacting patient prognosis.
- The role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in thyroid cancer progression is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize thyroid cancer-specific circRNAs.
- To investigate the association of circRNAs with tumor progression and metastasis.
- To explore the potential of circRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing of clinical and GEO-derived samples to identify circRNAs.
- TNM stage-specific analysis to correlate circRNAs with tumor characteristics.
- Gene Ontology enrichment and network analysis to understand circRNA function.
- In vitro experiments to validate the role of specific circRNAs (e.g., circAQR).
Main Results:
- Identified 111,971 circRNAs, including 13,399 novel thyroid cancer-specific circRNAs.
- Discovered circRNAs significantly correlated with tumor size and TNM stage.
- Found target genes of circRNAs enriched in cell developmental pathways.
- circAQR was associated with tumor size and lymph node metastasis, inhibiting proliferation while promoting migration and invasion in vitro.
Conclusions:
- TNM stage-specific circRNAs play a crucial role in thyroid cancer progression.
- circAQR shows potential as a biomarker for early metastasis detection and a therapeutic target.
- Integrating circRNAs into clinical practice may improve early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation for thyroid cancer.
