Hsa_hsa_circ_0081069 promotes the progression of colorectal cancer through sponging miR-665 and regulating E2F3 expression

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in the initiation and development of various cancers. This study explored the potential contribution of hsa_hsa_circ_0081069 in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods: The gene expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR. Functional roles of hsa_circ_0081069 were examined by shRNA-mediated silencing using CCK-8 proliferation assay, Transwell migration and invasion assay, tube formation assay. The tumorigenesis and metastasis of CRC cells were assess in a xenograft mouse model.

Results: Hsa_circ_0081069 was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and cells. Hsa_circ_0081069 knockdown suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion in CRC cells, as well as the angiogenesis. Silencing hsa_circ_0081069 also impaired the tumorigenesis of CRC cells in a xenograft mouse model. Furthermore, miR-665 was identified as an interacting partner of hsa_circ_0081069, which was negatively regulated by hsa_circ_0081069. miR-665 targeted the mRNA of E2F3 to suppress its expression. We further demonsatred that miR-665/E2F3 axis mediated the functional role of hsa_circ_0081069 in regulating the malignant phenotype of CRC cells.

Conclusions: Collectively, our study suggests that hsa_circ_0081069 could serve as a prognostic marker in progression of CRC. Targeting hsa_circ_0081069 and miR-665/E2F3 axis could serve as potential therapeutic strategies for CRC treatment.