Aim: To explore the expression profiles and functions of circRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials & methods: We obtained circRNA expression profiles through RNA sequencing. Expression levels of circRNAs were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. The effects on HCC progression were determined using Cell Counting Kit 8, clone formation and transwell assays. Results: We identified 114 upregulated and 144 downregulated circRNAs in HCC tissues. The results of quantitative real-time PCR showed that circGNAO1, circRNF180 and circMERTK were significantly downregulated in HCC tissues, whereas circSNX6 was significantly upregulated. CircRNF180 was associated with microvascular invasion. Overexpression of circRNF180 inhibits the proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of HCC cells. Conclusion: CircRNF180 may function as a tumor suppressor and could serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in HCC.
Keywords: RNA sequencing; circRNA; circRNF180; hepatocellular carcinoma; tumor suppressor.