Hsa_Circ_0000021 Sponges miR-3940-3p/KPNA2 Expression to Promote Cervical Cancer Progression

Abstract

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have a vital role in the occurrence of numerous cancers. However, its function and pattern of expression in cervical cancer (CC) remain unclear. This research aims to investigate the hsa_circ_000002’s regulatory mechanism in CC. Methods: Hsa_circ_0000021, miR-3940-3p, and KPNA2 expression levels were estimated through qRT-PCR. Nuclear/cytoplasmic separation was conducted to find the subcellular location of hsa_circ_0000021. Western blot was done to estimate the levels of KPNA2 protein. CCK-8, BrdU, wound healing, transwell, and tumor xenograft assays were performed to study how hsa_circ_0000021/miR-3940-3P/KPNA2 function affect CC. Hsa_circ_0000021’s targeting relationships with miR-3940-3p and KPNA2 were ascertained through RIP and luciferase experiments. Results: Hsa_circ_0000021 and KPNA2 were overexpressed and inversely associated with the levels of miR-3940-3p in CC. Knocking down either hsa_circ_0000021 or KPNA2 repressed the growth of CC tumors as well as the proliferation, invasion, and migration of CC cells. Silencing miR-3940-3p promoted the malignant proliferation of CC cells. Regarding its mechanism, hsa_circ_0000021 affected the malignant CC cell proliferation via the sponging of miR-3940-3p, which targeted KPNA2. Conclusion: Hsa_circ_0000021 regulates the miR-3940-3p/KPNA2 axis to promote CC occurrence. This potentially is a novel target for CC treatment.

Roles and mechanisms of circular RNA in respiratory system cancers

“…Additionally, circRNA is involved in the onset and progression of various respiratory cancers, including Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (LSCC) ( 68 ), Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) ( 69 ), and NSCLC ( 70 – 72 ),, among others. Finally, circRNA has also been reported to participate in the proliferation and migration processes of various reproductive system malignancies, including ovarian cancer ( 73 – 75 ), cervical cancer ( 76 – 78 ), and prostate cancer ( 79 , 80 ). Therefore, it is plausible that circRNA has emerged as a novel and unique epigenetic regulatory factor ( 81 ).…”