CircRUNX1 functions as an oncogene in colorectal cancer by regulating circRUNX1/miR-485-5p/SLC38A1 axis.

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as vital regulators in human cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we aimed to explore the roles of circRUNX1 in CRC.

METHODS

The levels of circRUNX1, RUNX1 mRNA, solute carrier family 38 member 1 (SLC38A1) mRNA and microRNA-485-5p (miR-485-5p) were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. The protein level of SLC38A1 was measured by Western blot assay. Cell colony formation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were assessed by colony formation assay, wound-healing assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The interaction between miR-485-5p and circRUNX1 or SLC38A1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. The levels of extracellular glutamine, intracellular glutamate and α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) were measured with specific kits. The functional role of circRUNX1 in CRC development in vivo was explored by murine xenograft model assay.

RESULTS

CircRUNX1 was upregulated in CRC tissues and cells compared with normal tissues and cells. CircRUNX1 deficiency restrained CRC cell colony formation, migration, invasion and glutaminolysis and induced apoptosis in vitro as well as blocked tumour growth in vivo. CircRUNX1 directly sponged miR-485-5p, which negatively modulated SLC38A1 expression in CRC cells. The effects of circRUNX1 knockdown on CRC cell colony formation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and glutaminolysis were reversed by miR-485-5p inhibition. Moreover, miR-485-5p overexpression repressed the malignant behaviours of CRC cells, with SLC38A1 elevation overturned the impacts.

CONCLUSION

CircRUNX1 promoted CRC cell growth, metastasis and glutamine metabolism and repressed apoptosis by elevating SLC38A1 through sponging miR-485-5p, which might provide a novel target for CRC treatment.