Circ_0078767 suppresses non-small-cell lung cancer by protecting RASSF1A expression via sponging miR-330-3p

Abstract

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the role of circ_0078767/miR-330-3p/RASSF1A in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Bioinformatic analysis was performed to screen for the differentially expressed genes in NSCLC tissues from adjacent lung tissues.

Materials and methods: qRT-PCR was used to detect the RNA expression of genes in cells and tissues, and Western blot was conducted to determine the protein levels of RASSF1A in tissues and cells. A miRanda algorithm was used to predict the targeted relationship among RNAs. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to verify the targeted relationship. Flow cytometry was performed to investigate the effects of circ_0078767/miR-330-3p/RASSF1A on cell cycle progression and apoptosis. A CCK-8 assay was conducted to explore the effects of circ_0078767/miR-330-3p/RASSF1A on cell proliferation. A transwell invasion assay was completed to study the effects of circ_0078767/miR-330-3p/RASSF1A on cell invasion. Lastly, an in vivo assay was conducted to investigate the effects of circ_0078767/miR-330-3p/RASSF1A on tumour development.

Results: Circ_0078767 and RASSF1A were downregulated, while miR-330-3p was upregulated in NSCLC tissues than that in adjacent tissues. miR-330-3p had a binding relationship with circ_0078767 and RASSF1A. The overexpression of circ_0078767 and RASSF1A or the underexpression of miR-330-3p significantly suppressed NSCLC cell viability, cell cycle progression and invasion while also significantly promoting cell apoptosis. Additionally, these modulations significantly suppressed in vivo tumour growth.

Conclusions: Circ_0078767 could suppress NSCLC progression by inhibiting miR-330-3p, which thereby increased RASSF1 levels.

Keywords: RASSF1A; circ_0078767; miR-330-3p; non-small-cell lung cancer; qRT-PCR.