CircSEC24A promotes colorectal cancer progression by regulating miR-488-3p/TMEM106B axis

Abstract

Background: Currently, more and more circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified to exert their functions in tumor progression, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the role of circSEC24A (circ_0003528) in CRC remains unknown.Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to determine the levels of circSEC24A, SEC24A and microRNA-488-3p (miR-488-3p). The characterization of circSEC24A was investigated by Actinomycin D and RNase R digestion assays. 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to assess cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis was adopted for cell apoptosis and cell cycle process. Transwell assay was employed to evaluate cell migration and invasion. Western blot assay was performed to determine protein levels. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was utilized to explore the relationship between miR-488-3p and circSEC24A or transmembrane protein 106B (TMEM106B). Murine xenograft model was constructed to explore the effect of circSEC24A in vivo .Results: CircSEC24A level was increased in CRC tissues and cells. CircSEC24A deficiency impeded cell proliferation, cell cycle process, migration and invasion and induced apoptosis in CRC cells in vitro and blocked tumorigenesis in vivo . MiR-488-3p was a target of circSEC24A and miR-488-3p was downregulated in CRC tissues and cells. The inhibitory effect of circSEC24A silencing on CRC cell progression was restored by miR-488-3p inhibition. Moreover, TMEM106B could be negatively regulated by miR-488-3p via acting as a downstream gene of miR-488-3p. MiR-488-3p overexpression decelerated CRC cell progression by targeting TMEM106B.Conclusion: CircSEC24A facilitated CRC progression by regulating miR-488-3p/TMEM106B axis, which might provide a promising treatment approach for CRC.