Hsa_circ_0001017 promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion in osteosarcoma by sponging miR-145-5p

Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have displayed important roles in the development and progression of various cancers. However, the functions of the majority of circRNAs in osteosarcoma (OS) remain unknown. Methods Circular RNA microarray analysis was performed in three OS cell lines (Saos-2, U2OS and MG63) and normal vascular endothelial cells. The co-differentially expressed circRNAs (CDECs) were identified in OS cell lines with the criterion of FDR (false discovery rate) < 0.05 and |fold change (FC)|> 2. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to validate the expression levels of selected CDECs. A series of functional assays, including MTT assay, flow cytometry and transwell assay were conducted in OS cells. The interaction between circRNA and miRNAs was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Results A total of 241 CDECs, including 75 upregulated and 166 downregulated CDECs, were identified in three OS cell lines compared with normal vascular endothelial cells. PCR validation showed that hsa_circ_0000704, hsa_circ_0001017 and hsa_circ_0005035 were all highly expression in the three OS cell lines, compared with osteoblast cell lines (HECC, hFOB1.19 and HFF-1). Functionally, overexpression of circ_0001017 significantly promoted the cell proliferation, migration and invasion and decreased apoptosis in U2OS cells. Knockdown of circ_0001017 obtained the opposite results. Circ_0001017 may downregulate miR-145-5p through direct binding. Furthermore, the expression of miR-145-5p was negatively regulated by circ_0001017 in OS cells. In addition, further functional studies indicated that miR-145-5p inhibitor eliminated the effects caused by si-circ_0001017 in OS cells. Conclusions In conclusion, our study suggested that circ_0001017 may be a novel oncogenic factor during the progression and development of OS by targeting miR-145-5p.

Automated summary

This study reveals the significant role of circ_0001017 in osteosarcoma, promoting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through targeting miR-145-5p and inhibiting apoptosis.