Hsa_circ_0045932 regulates the progression of colorectal cancer by regulating HK2 through sponging miR-873-5p.

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been confirmed to be key regulators for colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. The purpose of this research was to explore the biological role and mechanism of hsa_circ_0045932 in CRC.

METHODS

RT-qPCR and Western blot (WB) were applied to examine RNA and protein levels, respectively. MTT assay, EdU assay, and transwell assay were used to detect cell proliferative, migration, and invasion. Glucose uptake and lactic acid level were determined to assess cellular glycolysis. Dual-luciferase reporter and RIP assays were carried out to detect the relationship between miR-873-5p and hsa_circ_0045932 or hexokinase 2 (HK2). Xenograft mice model was established to confirm the function of hsa_circ_0045932 in vivo.

RESULTS

Hsa_circ_0045932 was overexpressed in CRC tissue samples and cells. Hsa_circ_0045932 knockdown repressed CRC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and glycolysis abilities in vitro. MiR-873-5p could be sponged by hsa_circ_0045932, and its inhibitor also reversed the inhibitory effect of hsa_circ_0045932 knockdown on CRC cell progression. HK2 was targeted by miR-873-5p, and hsa_circ_0045932 regulated HK2 expression through targeting miR-873-5p. Overexpression of HK2 reversed the repressive effect of hsa_circ_0045932 knockdown on CRC cell malignant behaviors. Furthermore, the pro-tumor role of hsa_circ_0045932 in vivo was also confirmed using animal experiments.

CONCLUSION

Hsa_circ_0045932 promoted CRC progression through sponging miR-873-5p to up-regulate HK2, which might offer novel therapeutic target for CRC clinical intervention.