Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are closely associated with the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). circRNA_0001971 has been proved to accelerate the OSCC development. Here, we aim to identify the new molecular mechanism of hsa_circRNA_0001971 (circRNA_0001971) in OSCC.
Methods: The levels of circRNA_0001971, miR-186-5p, and fibronectin type III domain containing 3B (FNDC3B) in tissues and cells were verified by qRT-PCR or Western blotting. The interaction between circRNA_0001971, miR-186-5p, and FNDC3B was identified by bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assay, and RIP assay. The effect of circRNA_0001971/miR-186-5p/FNDC3B axis on OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by cell functional experiments including CCK8, wound healing, and transwell assays.
Results: Our study displayed that circRNA_0001971 and FNDC3B were elevated in OSCC, whereas miR-186-5p was declined in OSCC. Silencing circRNA_0001971 attenuated the malignancy of OSCC cells by suppressing proliferation, migration, and invasion. In OSCC cells, circRNA_0001971 sponged miR-186-5p to enhance FNDC3B. Due to the interaction between circRNA_0001971, miR-186-5p, and FNDC3B, FNDC3B overexpression relieved the negative function of silencing circRNA_0001971 in OSCC cells.
Conclusion: Overall, our study discovered that circRNA_0001971 was a tumor promoter in OSCC progression by targeting miR-186-5p/FNDC3B axis.
Keywords: FNDC3B; circRNA_0001971; miR-186-5p; oral squamous cell carcinoma.
© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.