Microarray analysis of circRNAs expression profile in gliomas reveals that circ_0037655 could promote glioma progression by regulating miR-214/PI3K signaling

Aims: CircRNAs are emerging as a novel class of non-coding RNAs that play crucial roles in malignant cancer. However, the expression profile and potential mechanism of circRNAs in gliomas remain uncharacterized. In this study, we aim to investigate abnormally expressed circRNAs during glioma pathogenesis and find out potential therapeutic targets for treatment. Main methods: The glioma cell lines (U251 and SHG-44), 32 pairs of glioma tissue samples and adjacent control samples were used in this study. Microarray and bioinformatics tools were performed to identify circRNAs expression in glioma. QRT-PCR experiment was used to confirm gene expression. CCK-8 and transwell assay were conducted to measure cell viability and invasion. Dual-luciferase reporter experiment was performed to identify target bindings between RNAs. Key findings: The circRNA circ_0037655 was highly expressed in both glioma tissues and cell lines (U251 and SHG-44) compared to control. Inhibition of circ_0037655 could suppress the viability and invasion of glioma cells. Circ_0037655 acts as a sponge of miR-214 and inhibition of miR-214 could reverse cell viability and invasion ability induced by si-circ_0037655. Over-expression of miR-214 could reduce the expression of p-Akt (PI3K pathway indicator). Significance: This study identified circRNAs expression profile in gliomas and revealed that circ_0037655 could promote glioma progression by regulating miR-214/PI3K signaling, which may provide new therapeutic approach for gliomas.