Hsa_circ_0001550 facilitates colorectal cancer progression through mediating microRNA-4262/nuclear casein kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase substrate 1 cascade.

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in various malignancies, such as colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the function of hsa_circ_0001550 in CRC remains to be elucidated.

METHODS

The expression levels of hsa_circ_0001550, microRNA (miR)-4262, and nuclear casein kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase substrate 1 (NUCKS1) were determined by real-time qPCR. Cell biological behaviors were evaluated via colony formation assay, transwell assay, flow cytometry, and sphere formation assays. The target relationship was validated via dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. Protein expression was analyzed by western blot. Xenograft tumor model was adopted to evaluate hsa_circ_0001550 function in vivo.

RESULTS

Hsa_circ_0001550 enrichment was enhanced in CRC tissue specimens and cell lines. Hsa_circ_0001550 absence hindered CRC cell proliferation, metastasis, stemness, and caused apoptosis. Hsa_circ_0001550 targeted miR-4262, and hsa_circ_0001550 absence-caused impacts were diminished by anti-miR-4262. MiR-4262 targeted NUCKS1. Hsa_circ_0001550 had positive regulation on NUCKS1 expression. NUCKS1 overexpression overturned the influences of hsa_circ_0001550 silencingon CRC cell progression. Hsa_circ_0001550 interference notably blocked in vivo xenograft tumor growth.

CONCLUSION

Hsa_circ_0001550 facilitated CRC progression by binding to miR-4262 to positively regulate NUCKS1 abundance.