scholarly journals Silencing of hsa_circ_0009035 suppresses cervicalprogression and enhances radiosensitivity through miR-889-3p-dependent regulation of HOXB7

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xia Zhao ◽  
Weilei Dong ◽  
Guifang Luo ◽  
Jing Xie ◽  
Jie Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Colony Formation ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
The Impact

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel type of endogenous non-coding RNAs, have been identified as critical regulators in human carcinogenesis. Here, we investigated the precise actions of hsa_circ_0009035 in the progression and radioresistance of cervical cancer (CC). The levels of hsa_circ_0009035, microRNA (miR)-889-3p and homeobox B7 (HOXB7) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot. Ribonuclease R (RNase R) and Actinomycin D assays were used to assess the stability of hsa_circ_0009035. Cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, migration and invasion were gauged by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry and transwell assays, respectively. Cell colony formation and survival were determined by the colony formation assay. Targeted correlations among hsa_circ_0009035, miR-889-3p and HOXB7 were examined by the dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) or RNA pull-down assay. Animal studies were performed to evaluate the impact of hsa_circ_0009035 on tumor growth. We found that hsa_circ_0009035 was highly expressed in CC tissues and cells, and it was associated with the radioresistance of CC patients. Moreover, the silencing of hsa_circ_0009035 inhibited CC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and enhanced apoptosis and radiosensitivity in vitro and weakened tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0009035 directly targeted miR-889-3p by binding to miR-889-3p, and hsa_circ_0009035 modulated HOXB7 expression through miR-889-3p. HOXB7 was a functional target of miR-889-3p in regulating CC progression and radioresistance in vitro, and hsa_circ_0009035 modulated CC progression and radioresistance in vitro by miR-889-3p. Our current study first identified hsa_circ_0009035 as an important regulation of CC progression and radioresistance at least in part through targeting the miR-889-3p/HOXB7 axis, highlighting its significance as a potential therapeutic target for CC treatment.

scholarly journals Circ_0000144 functions as a miR-623 sponge to enhance gastric cancer progression via up-regulating GPRC5A

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lili Mi ◽  
Lianhui Lei ◽  
Xiaolei Yin ◽  
Ning Li ◽  
Jianfei Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Colony Formation ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that circRNAs serve as critical roles in human cancer, including GC. In the present study, we focused on the detailed function and mechanism of circ_0000144 on GC progression. Methods: The levels of circ_0000144, miR-623 and G-protein-coupled receptor, family C, group 5, member A (GPRC5A) were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Targeted relationships among circ_0000144, miR-623 and GPRC5A were confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Cell proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), colony formation, flow cytometry and transwell assays. Measurement of glutamine and α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) levels was performed using a corresponding assay kit. GPRC5A protein expression was detected using Western blot. In vivo assays were used to explore the impact of circ_0000144 on tumor growth. Results: Our data indicated that circ_0000144 was up-regulated and miR-623 was down-regulated in GC tissues and cells. Circ_0000144 interacted with miR-623 through directly binding to miR-623. Moreover, the knockdown of circ_0000144 weakened GC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and glutaminolysis and accelerated cell apoptosis by up-regulating miR-623. GPRC5A was a direct target of miR-623 and circ_0000144 protected against GPRC5A repression through sponging miR-623. Furthermore, miR-623-mediated regulation on GC cell progression was reversed by the stored expression of GPRC5A. Additionally, circ_0000144 depletion inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Conclusion: Our study indicated that circ-0000144 knockdown repressed GC progression at least partly by regulating GPRC5A expression via sponging miR-623, illumining a novel therapeutic target for GC treatment.

scholarly journals Sevoflurane inhibits malignant progression of colorectal cancer via hsa_circ_0000231-mediated miR-622

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingpeng Wang ◽  
Shuyuan Li ◽  
Gaofeng Zhang ◽  
Huihua Han
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cell Apoptosis ◽  
Volatile Anesthetic ◽  
Tumor Formation ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Circular Rnas

Abstract Background Sevoflurane (Sev), a commonly used volatile anesthetic, has been reported to inhibit the process of colorectal cancer (CRC). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are revealed to participate in the pathogenesis of CRC. This study aims to reveal the mechanism of hsa_circ_0000231 in Sev-mediated CRC progression. Methods The expression of hsa_circ_0000231 and microRNA-622 (miR-622) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Protein level was determined by western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was investigated by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), cell colony formation and DNA content quantitation assays. Cell apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate and propidium iodide double staining and caspase 3 activity assays. Cell migration and invasion were investigated by wound-healing and transwell invasion assays, respectively. The putative relationship between hsa_circ_0000231 and miR-622 was predicted by circular RNA Interactome online database, and identified by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. The impacts of hsa_circ_0000231 on Sev-mediated tumor formation in vivo were presented by in vivo assay. Results Hsa_circ_0000231 expression was upregulated, while miR-622 was downregulated in CRC tissues and cells compared with control groups. Sev treatment decreased hsa_circ_0000231 expression, but increased miR-622 expression in CRC cells. Sev treatment suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis. Hsa_circ_0000231 overexpression restored Sev-mediated CRC progression in vitro. Additionally, hsa_circ_0000231 acted as a sponge of miR-622, and miR-622 inhibitors reversed the impacts of hsa_circ_0000231 silencing on CRC process. Furthermore, Sev treatment inhibited tumor growth by regulating hsa_circ_0000231 in vivo. Conclusion Hsa_circ_0000231 attenuated Sev-aroused repression impacts on CRC development by sponging miR-622. This findings may provide an appropriate anesthetic protocol for CRC sufferers undergoing surgery.

scholarly journals Circ_0015756 promotes the progression of ovarian cancer by regulating miR-942-5p/CUL4B pathway

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenhua Du ◽  
Lei Wang ◽  
Yu Xia
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Gynecologic Cancer ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Western Blot Assay

Abstract Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is the gynecologic cancer with the highest mortality. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a vital role in the development and progression of cancer. This study aimed to explore the potential role of circ_0015756 in OC and its molecular mechanism. Methods The levels of circ_0015756, microRNA-942-5p (miR-942-5p) and Cullin 4B (CUL4B) were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or Western blot assay. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assay, flow cytometry and transwell assay. The levels of proliferation-related and metastasis-related proteins were measured by Western blot assay. The relationship between miR-942-5p and circ_0015756 or CUL4B was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay and RNA pull-down assay. Xenograft assay was used to analyze tumor growth in vivo. Results Circ_0015756 and CUL4B levels were increased, while miR-942-5p level was decreased in OC tissues and cells. Depletion of circ_0015756 suppressed proliferation, migration and invasion and promoted apoptosis in OC cells. Down-regulation of circ_0015756 hindered OC cell progression via modulating miR-942-5p. Also, up-regulation of miR-942-5p impeded OC cell development by targeting CUL4B. Mechanistically, circ_0015756 up-regulated CUL4B via sponging miR-942-5p. Moreover, circ_0015756 silencing inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Conclusion Knockdown of circ_0015756 suppressed OC progression via regulating miR-942-5p/CUL4B axis, suggesting that circ_0015756 might be a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.

scholarly journals CircARVCF Contributes to Cisplatin Resistance in Gastric Cancer by Altering miR-1205 and FGFR1

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruirui Zhang ◽  
Huanyu Zhao ◽  
Hongmei Yuan ◽  
Jian Wu ◽  
Haiyan Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Colony Formation ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Western Blot Assay ◽  
Major Barrier

Background: Chemoresistance is a major barrier to the treatment of human cancers. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in drug resistance in cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we aimed to explore the functions of circRNA Armadillo Repeat gene deleted in Velo-Cardio-Facial syndrome (circARVCF) in cisplatin (DDP) resistance in GC.Methods: The expression of circARVCF, microRNA-1205 (miR-1205) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot assay or immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and colony formation assay were performed to evaluate DDP resistance and cell colony formation ability. Transwell assay was conducted to assess cell migration and invasion. Flow cytometry analysis was done to analyze cell apoptosis. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were manipulated to analyze the relationships of circARVCF, miR-1205 and FGFR1. Murine xenograft model was constructed to explore DDP resistance in vivo.Results: CircARVCF level was increased in DDP-resistant GC tissues and cells. CircARVCF silencing inhibited DDP resistance, colony formation and metastasis and induced apoptosis in DDP-resistant GC cells. CircARVCF directly interacted with miR-1205 and miR-1205 inhibition reversed circARVCF silencing-mediated effect on DDP resistance in DDP-resistant GC cells. FGFR1 served as the target gene of miR-1205. MiR-1205 overexpression restrained the resistance of DDP-resistant GC cells to DDP, but FGFR1 elevation abated the effect. In addition, circARVCF knockdown repressed DDP resistance in vivo.Conclusion: CircARVCF enhanced DDP resistance in GC by elevating FGFR1 through sponging miR-1205.

scholarly journals HMGA1B/2 transcriptionally activated-POU1F1 facilitates gastric carcinoma metastasis via CXCL12/CXCR4 axis-mediated macrophage polarization

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Tang ◽  
Xiong Lei ◽  
Lingqiang Xiong ◽  
Zhigao Hu ◽  
Bo Tang
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Macrophage Polarization ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Cxcr4 Axis

AbstractTumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment contribute to poor prognosis in gastric cancer (GC). However, the underlying mechanism by which TAMs promote GC progression and metastasis remains elusive. Expression of POU1F1 was detected in 60 matched GC-normal tissue pairs using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. The correlation between POU1F1 and the clinical-pathological factors of GC patients were further assessed. Cell proliferation was monitored by CCK-8, colony formation, and 5-Ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assays. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by transwell assays. The impact on angiogenesis was evaluated by tube formation assay. Xenograft model was generated to investigate the role of POU1F1 on tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. GST pull-down and Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) were used to study the interaction between HMGA1B/2 and POU1F1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate the transcriptional regulation of POU1F1. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the surface expression of macrophage markers. Upregulated POU1F1 observed both in GC tissues and cell lines was positively correlated with poor prognosis. Knockdown of POU1F1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in vitro, and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. HMGA1B/2 transcriptionally activated-POU1F1. POU1F1 promoted GC progression via regulating macrophage proliferation, migration, polarization, and angiogenesis in a CXCL12/CXCR4-dependent manner. POU1F1 also promoted GC metastasis in lung by modulating macrophage polarization through CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in vivo. HMGA1B/2-upregulated POU1F1 promoted GC metastasis via regulating macrophage polarization in a CXCL12/CXCR4-dependent manner.

scholarly journals MiR-93 suppresses cell proliferation and invasion by targeting ZNF322 in human hepatocellular carcinoma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Zhang ◽  
Liangsheng Miao ◽  
Huijuan Zhang ◽  
Gang Wu ◽  
Jianrui Lv
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Overall Survival ◽  
Cell Migration ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Colony Formation ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Over Expression

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the biological role of microRNA 93 (miR-93), a novel tumor-related miRNA, in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms involved.Material and methodsQuantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to determine the expression of miR-93 in HCC tissues and cell lines. The log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed to evaluate the relationship between miR-93 expression and overall survival. MTT assay, colony formation assay, Transwell migration and invasion assays were carried out to exam cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion, respectively. Murine xenograft models were established to the effect of miR-93 on tumor growth in vivo. TargetScan online software was applied to predict the potential target of miR-93. Luciferase reporter assays were used to validate the direct binding of miR-93 and its putative target.ResultsHere we found that miR-93 was significantly down-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Patients with decreased miR-93 expression had a significantly shorter overall survival. Functional investigations demonstrated miR-93 over-expression suppressed HCC cell proliferation, weakened clonogenic ability, and slowed down cell migration and invasion; whereas miR-93 depletion facilitated HCC cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration and invasion. MiR-93 over-expression retarded tumor growth in vivo. Luciferase reporter assay and rescue assay revealed that zinc finger protein 322 (ZNF322) was a direct target of miR-93 and mediated the inhibitory effects of miR-93 on HCC cell proliferation and motility.ConclusionsOur data may provide some evidence for miR-93/ZNF322 axis a candidate therapeutic target for HCC.

scholarly journals Circ_0026416 downregulation blocks the development of colorectal cancer through depleting MYO6 expression by enriching miR-545-3p

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Ranran Yu ◽  
Chunhua Li ◽  
Yu Dang ◽  
Xiaoyu Yi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Colony Formation ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
List Type ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

Abstract Background Emerging evidence reveals that the initiation and development of human cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), are associated with the deregulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs). Our study intended to disclose the role of circ_0026416 in the malignant behaviors of CRC. Methods The detection for circ_0026416 expression, miR-545-3p expression, and myosin VI (MYO6) mRNA expression was performed using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry assay were applied for functional analysis to monitor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. The protein levels of MYO6 and epithelial mesenchymal-transition (EMT) markers were detected by western blot. Mouse models were used to determine the role of circ_0026416 in vivo. The potential relationship between miR-545-3p and circ_0026416 or MYO6 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. Results The expression of circ_0026416 was increased in CRC tumor tissues and cell lines. Circ_0026416 downregulation inhibited CRC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and EMT but induced cell apoptosis in vitro, and circ_0026416 knockdown also blocked tumor growth in vivo. MiR-545-3p was a target of circ_0026416, and rescue experiments indicated that circ_0026416 knockdown blocked CRC development by enriching miR-545-3p. In addition, miR-545-3p targeted MYO6 and inhibited MYO6 expression. MiR-545-3p enrichment suppressed CRC cell malignant behaviors by sequestering MYO6. Importantly, circ_0026416 knockdown depleted MYO6 expression by enriching miR-545-3p. Conclusion Circ_0026416 downregulation blocked the development of CRC through depleting MYO6 expression by enriching miR-545-3p. Highlights Circ_0026416 downregulation inhibits CRC development in vitro and in vivo. Circ_0026416 regulates the expression of MYO6 by targeting miR-545-3p. Circ_0026416 governs the miR-545-3p/MYO6 axis to regulate CRC progression.

scholarly journals Circ_0015756 aggravates hepatocellular carcinoma development by regulating FGFR1 via sponging miR-610

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weisheng Guo ◽  
Lin Zhao ◽  
Yaguang Wei ◽  
Peng Liu ◽  
Yu Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Colony Formation ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Therapeutic Effects

Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading threat of cancer-related death in humans with poor therapeutic effects. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important indicators in cancer diagnosis and prognosis. This study intended to explore the function and mechanism of circ_0015756 in HCC, providing the additional opinion for HCC treatment.Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to detect the expression of circ_0015756 and miR-610. Cell viability was assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and colony formation capacity was ascertained by colony formation assay. Cell proliferation and invasion were monitored by transwell assay. Cell cycle progression and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry assay. Circ_0015756 oncogenicity was determined by Xenograft models. The prediction of targets was performed using the bioinformatics tools, and the verification of targeted relationship was conducted using RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays. The expression level of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) was measured by western blot.Result: The expression of circ_0015756 was increased in HCC tissues, serums and cells. Circ_0015756 downregulation impaired HCC cell viability, colony formation capacity, invasion and migration, induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. MiR-610 was ensured as a target of circ_0015756, and miR-610 absence reversed the effects of circ_0015756 downregulation. Further, FGFR1 was interacted by miR-610, and FGFR1 overexpression overturned the effects of miR-610 restoration in vitro. Circ_0015756 could regulate FGFR1 expression by targeting miR-610.Conclusion: Circ_0015756 played its tumorigenic properties in HCC by activating FGFR1 and sponging miR-610, and circ_0015756 was expected to be a vital indicator in HCC diagnosis and treatment.

scholarly journals Circular RNA circ-PAN3 (hsa_circ_0100181) Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth Through Sponging miR-153 to Elevate Cyclin D1 Expression

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuo Yu ◽  
Min Wang ◽  
Xu Li ◽  
Xingjun Guo ◽  
Renyi Qin
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Cyclin D1 ◽  
Colony Formation ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Circular Rnas

Abstract Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are engaged in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, but the mechanisms remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to unveil the expression pattern and potential biological mechanisms of a newly indentified circRNA, circ-PAN3, in HCC. Methods: Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK‐8) assay and colony formation assay were used to assess cell proliferation. Transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis and western blot analysis were used to determine the relative expression level of mRNA and protein, respectively. Cell apoptosis assay was used to evaluate the apoptosis rate of transfected cells. CircInteractome and Targetscan were utilized to predict the possible targets of circRNAs and miRNAs, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were used to assess the direct interaction of RNAs. HCC cancer xenograft model was used to evaluate the biological process of circ-PAN3 in vivo. Student’s t test, χ2 test or one-way ANOVA was adopted appropriately.Results: Circ-PAN3 was elevated in HCC tissues, and patients with high Circ-PAN3 expression had a poor survival outcome. Knockdown of circ-PAN3 expression suppressed cell viability, colony formation and cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Circ-PAN3 elevates cyclin D1 expression to promote HCC progression. Subsequently, using CircInteractome, miR-153 were confirmed to interact with circ-PAN3 and was downregulated by circ-PAN3. Further, using Targetscan, cyclin D1 was validated to interact with miR-153 and was downregulated by miR-153. Addition of miR-153 expression with corresponsive mimics significantly reduced the expression of cyclin D1. Notably, the inhibition of cell viability, colony formation and proliferation induced by knockdown of circ-PAN3 were recovered following the combination with miR-153 inhibitor, cyclin D1, respectively. Conclusion: Together, this study demonstrated that a novel circ-PAN3/miR-153/cyclin D1 axis regulatory axis that promoted HCC progression.

scholarly journals Long Noncoding RNA FER1L4 Suppresses Tumorigenesis by Regulating the Expression of PTEN Targeting miR-18a-5p in Osteosarcoma

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 1364-1375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Fei ◽  
Xiaona Zhang ◽  
Jinxiang Liu ◽  
Long Tan ◽  
Jie Xing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Colony Formation ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Qrt Pcr

Background/Aims: Novel long non-coding RNA Fer-1-like protein 4 (FER1L4) has been reported to play crucial regulatory roles in tumor progression. However, its clinical significance and biological role in osteosarcoma (OS) is completely unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of FER1L4 in OS progression and the underlying mechanism. Methods: We analyzed the expression levels of FER1L4 in tissues of OS patients and cell lines via quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). The effect of FER1L4 on cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion was analyzed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, wound healing and transwell invasion assay, respectively. Novel targets of FER1L4 were selected through a bioinformatics soft and confirmed using a dual-luciferase reporter system and qRT-PCR. To detect the role of FER1L4 in vivo tumorigenesis, tumor xenografts were created. Results: We found that the expression of FER1L4 was significantly downregulated in OS tissues and cell lines; moreover, low expression of FER1L4 was associated with advanced tumor-nude-metastasis (TNM) stage, lymph node metastases, and poor overall survival. Functional assays showed that upregulation of FER1L4 significantly inhibited OS cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro, as well as suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Assays performed to determine the underlying mechanism, indicated that FER1L4 interacted directly with miR-18a-5p. Subsequently, we found that FER1L4 significantly increased PTEN expression, a known target of miR-18a-5p, in OS cells. Furthermore, PTEN was found to be down-regulated, and positively correlated with FER1L4 in OS tissues. Conclusion: These findings suggest that FER1L4, acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-18a-5p, exerts its anti-cancer role by modulating the expression of PTEN. Thus, FER1L4 may be a novel target for the prevention and treatment of OS.

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