Hsa_circ_0008133 contributes to lung cancer progression by promoting glycolysis metabolism through the miR‐760/MEX3A axis

Abstract

BackgroundLung cancer is a very common cancer with poor prognosis and high mortality. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been confirmed to be related to the occurrence of lung cancer, and circ_0008133 has been found to be possibly related to lung cancer.MethodsExpression of circ_0008133, miR‐760, and mex‐3 RNA binding family member A (MEX3A) messenger RNA (mRNA) was detected using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Cell viability, colony number, migration, and invasion were assessed using cell counting kit‐8 (CCK8), colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays. Glucose consumption and lactate production were detected using commercial kits. Protein expression was measured using western blot. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull‐down assay were used to analyze the relationships between miR‐760 and circ_0008133 or MEX3A. The effects of circ_0008133 knockdown on tumor growth in vivo were examined by the nude mice expriment. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay analyzed Ki‐67 expression.ResultsCirc_0008133 and MEX3A were markedly boosted in lung cancer tissues and cells. Circ_0008133 knockdown decreased lung cancer cell viability, glucose consumption, lactate production, colony formation, migration, and invasion. In mechanism, circ_0008133 might positively regulate MEX3A expression by sponging miR‐760. Additionally, knockdown of circ_0008133 inhibited tumor growth in vivo.ConclusionCirc_0008133 accelerated the progression of lung cancer by promoting glycolysis metabolism through the miR‐760/MEX3A axis.