Hsa_circRNA_001676 accelerates the proliferation, migration and stemness in colorectal cancer through regulating miR-556-3p/G3BP2 axis

• Published in: Scientific reports Vol. 13; no. 1; p. 18353
• Main Authors: Hao, Qin, Zhang, Miao, Wu, Yingcai, Guo, Yuchen, Zheng, Yanling, Wu, Lijuan, Feng, Li, Wang, Zhenfei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group 26.10.2023; Nature Publishing Group UK; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: Cell growth; Cell migration; Cell proliferation; Circular RNA; Colorectal cancer; Colorectal carcinoma; Therapeutic targets; Tumors
• ISSN: 2045-2322; 2045-2322
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45164-6

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play key roles in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression, but little is known about the biological functions of hsa_circRNA_001676 in CRC. Therefore, we explored the potential role of hsa_circRNA_001676 in CRC development. RT-qPCR was performed to determine hsa_circRNA_001676, miR-556-3p and Ras-GTPase-activating SH3 domain-binding-proteins 2 (G3BP2) levels in CRC tissues. Meanwhile, to evaluate the roles of hsa_circRNA_001676, miR-556-3p and G3BP2 on CRC, functional analysis of cell proliferation, migration and stemness were then performed. Our results showed that compared to normal tissues, hsa_circRNA_001676 and G3BP2 level was elevated, but miR-556-3p level was reduced in CRC tissues. Additionally, luciferase reporter results showed that hsa_circRNA_001676 was shown to target miR-556-3p, and G3BP2 was targeted by miR-556-3p. Hsa_circRNA_001676 or G3BP2 overexpression promoted CRC cell proliferation and migration. Conversely, miR-556-3p overexpression suppressed CRC cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, deficiency of hsa_circRNA_001676 or G3BP2 repressed the CRC cell proliferation, migration and stemness. Meanwhile, hsa_circRNA_001676 deficiency obviously reduced tumor growth and stemness in a CRC mouse xenograft model. Furthermore, hsa_circRNA_001676 deficiency notably reduced G3BP2 level, but elevated miR-556-3p level in tumor tissues from tumor-bearing mice. Mechanistically, hsa_circRNA_001676 targeted miR-556-3p to increase G3BP2 level, contributing to the progression of CRC. Collectively, hsa_circRNA_001676 was able to accelerate proliferation, migration and stemness in CRC through regulating miR-556-3p/G3BP2 axis, suggesting that hsa_circRNA_001676 may become a potential therapeutic target in treating CRC.