Overexpression of circular RNA hsa_circ_0008621 facilitates colorectal cancer progression and predicts poor prognosis

Abstract

Abstract Aim To evaluate the potential role of serum and tissue hsa_circ_0008621 as a prognostic biomarker for CRC patients. Focused on the functional role of hsa_circ_0008621 in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods Serum and tissue hsa_circ_0008621 expression were quantified by qRT‐PCR in 157 CRC patients, as well as 100 serums from healthy controls. Serum and tissue hsa_circ_0008621 expression was evaluated for their prognostic role in CRC patients using Kaplan–Meier curves and Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis. To further characterize the biological role of hsa_circ_0008621 expression in CRC, in vitro hsa_circ_0008621 inhibition was performed and the effects on cellular growth, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and glycolysis were explored. Next, the downstream molecules for hsa_circ_0008621 were predicted. Results Hsa_circ_0008621 expression was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and serums. Serum hsa_circ_0008621 levels were significantly up‐regulated in advanced‐staged samples. High serum hsa_circ_0008621 expression was associated with shorter overall survival and recurrence‐free survival in CRC patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified a high level of serum hsa_circ_0008621 expression as an independent prognostic factor with respect to overall survival and recurrence‐free survival. Loss of function assays for hsa_circ_0008621 in vitro led to a significant decrease in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis, but an increase in cell apoptosis. Hsa_circ_0008621 can sponge miR‐532‐5p, which targets SLC16A3. Conclusion High level of serum hsa_circ_0008621 is associated with poor survival in CRC and promotes CRC progression, suggesting it to be a promising non‐invasive prognostic biomarker and novel therapeutic target in CRC patients.

Keywords

• colorectal cancer
• hsa_circ_0008621
• miR‐532‐5p
• prognosis
• progression