CircZNF652 accelerates the proliferation and migration of primary lung carcinoma cells by downregulating miR-766

Purpose: To explore the biological functions and molecular mechanism of circZNF652 involvement in primary lung carcinoma. Methods: CircZNF652 levels in primary lung carcinoma cases and controls were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Its prognostic value in primary lung carcinoma was examined by depicting it with Kaplan-Meier curves. The biological functions of circZNF652 in regulating proliferative and migratory capacities in A549 and SPC-A-1 cells were analyzed from the curves. Interaction between circZNF652 and its downstream gene, miR-766, was assessed, and their co-regulation on primary lung carcinoma was determined by rescue experiments. Results: CircZNF652 was abnormally and significantly upregulated in primary lung carcinoma cases (p < 0.05), resulting in a poor prognosis. The knockdown effect of circZNF652 attenuated the proliferative and migratory capacities of A549 and SPC-A-1 cells, and downregulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated genes. CircZNF652 bound and negatively regulated miR-766, a key downstream gene involved in circZNF652-induced aggravation of primary lung carcinoma. Conclusion: CircZNF652 serves as an oncogene, triggering the aggravation of primary lung carcinoma by negatively regulating miR-766. The results of this study may provide new insights into the treatment of lung carcinoma.

Automated summary

circZNF652 is significantly upregulated in primary lung carcinoma, associated with poor prognosis. Knockdown attenuates proliferative and migratory capacities of lung cancer cells, downregulating EMT-associated genes. CircZNF652 negatively regulates miR-766, contributing to the aggravation of primary lung carcinoma.