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Original Research

Depletion of Circular RNA circ_CORO1C Suppresses Gastric Cancer Development by Modulating miR-138-5p/KLF12 Axis

, , , , , & show all
Pages 3789-3801 | Published online: 11 May 2021
 

Abstract

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common and deadly malignancy in the world. CircRNAs have emerged as important regulators in human diseases, including GC. In this work, we intended to explore the role of circ_CORO1C in GC progression and potential mechanism.

Methods

Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or Western blot assay was performed to examine the expression of circRNA coronin-like actin-binding protein 1C (circ_CORO1C), microRNA (miR)-138-5p and Krueppel-like factor 12 (KLF12) in clinical samples and cells. Cell colony formation ability and viability were measured by colony formation assay and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, respectively. Expression of cell proliferation and epithelia-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarker was detected by Western blot analysis. And cell metastasis, including migration and invasion, and apoptosis were analyzed via Transwell assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Target relationship among circ_CORO1C, miR-138-5p and KLF12 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The in vivo role of circ_CORO1C was investigated by tumor xenograft assay.

Results

Circ_CORO1C and KLF12 were upregulated, while miR-138-5p was downregulated in GC tissues and cells. Circ_CORO1C knockdown suppressed colony formation ability, viability, migration, invasion and EMT in GC cells, while promoted cell apoptosis in vitro. Circ_CORO1C targeted miR-138-5p, the inhibition of which could attenuate silenced circ_CORO1C-induced inhibitory effects on GC progression. MiR-138-5p repressed the aggressive malignant behaviors of GC cells by directly targeting KLF12. Circ_CORO1C deficiency inhibited GC tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Depletion of circ_CORO1C suppressed GC progression by regulating miR-138-5p/KLF12 axis, offering a potential molecular target for GC therapy.

Acknowledgment

Yongqiang Fan and Min Liu are co-first authors.

Data Sharing Statement

The analyzed data sets generated during the present study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate

The present study was approved by the ethical review committee of Sunshine Union Hospital. Written informed consent was obtained from all enrolled patients.

Consent for Publication

Patients agree to participate in this work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.