circRNA_001275 upregulates Wnt7a expression by competitively sponging miR‑370‑3p to promote cisplatin resistance in esophageal cancer

• Published in: International journal of oncology Vol. 57; no. 1; pp. 151 - 160
• Main Authors: Zou, Fang-Wen, Yang, Shi-Ze, Li, Wen-Ya, Liu, Chao-Yuan, Liu, Xu-Hong, Hu, Chun-Hong, Liu, Zheng-Hua, Xu, Shun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Greece Spandidos Publications 01.07.2020; Spandidos Publications UK Ltd; D.A. Spandidos
• Subjects: Aged; Analysis; Apoptosis - genetics; Biotechnology; Cancer therapies; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement - genetics; Cell Proliferation - genetics; Chemotherapy; Cisplatin - pharmacology; Cisplatin - therapeutic use; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm - genetics; Esophageal cancer; Esophageal Neoplasms - drug therapy; Esophageal Neoplasms - genetics; Esophageal Neoplasms - pathology; Gene expression; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Health aspects; Humans; Luciferase; Male; MicroRNAs; MicroRNAs - metabolism; Middle Aged; Proteins; RNA, Circular - metabolism; Thoracic surgery; Transcription (Genetics); Up-Regulation; Wnt Proteins - genetics; China
• ISSN: 1019-6439; 1791-2423
• DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5050

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are aberrantly expressed in various tumors and are associated with tumorigenesis. The present study aimed to determine the role of circRNA_001275 in cisplatin‑resistant esophageal cancer. Three pairs of cisplatin‑resistant tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues were collected and subjected to circRNA chip analysis. Additionally, the effect of circRNA_001275 on cisplatin‑resistant cells was investigated. The relationship between circRNA_001275, microRNAs (miRs) and target genes were analyzed using luciferase assays, and validated via reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR) and western blotting. The results showed that circRNA_001275 was significantly upregulated in cisplatin‑resistant esophageal cancer tissues and cells (P<0.05). Overexpression of circRNA_001275 promoted the proliferation and invasion, and decreased the apoptosis of cisplatin‑resistant cells. On the other hand, circRNA_001275 silencing inhibited cell proliferation and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis (P<0.05). Dual‑luciferase reporter assays revealed that circRNA_001275 directly binds to miR‑370‑3p, and that Wnt family member 7A (Wnt7a) is targeted by miR‑370‑3p. RT‑qPCR and western blotting further demonstrated that circRNA_001275 serves as an miR‑370‑3p sponge to upregulate Wnt7a expression. In conclusion, the present study revealed that circRNA_001275 was upregulated in cisplatin‑resistant esophageal cancer and promoted cisplatin resistance by sponging miR‑370‑3p to upregulate Wnt7a expression. Therefore, circRNA_001275 may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with cisplatin‑resistant esophageal cancer.