Circ_SNX27 regulates hepatocellular carcinoma development via miR-637/FGFR1 axis

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) serve as critical regulatory factors in cancer development. Nonetheless, the potential regulatory mechanism of circRNA sorting nexin 27 (circ_SNX27) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unknown. Methods: The circ_SNX27, microRNA-637 (miR-637), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) levels were quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Next, function experiments were conducted using in vitro assays and in vivo senograft study. The relationship between miR-637 with circ_SNX27 or FGFR1 was uncovered by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. Results: The circ_SNX27 and FGFR1 levels were up-regulated, but miR-637 content was reduced in HCC. Circ_SNX27 down-regulation inhibited HCC cell proliferation, motility, and invasion and promoted apoptosis in vitro, as well as weakened tumor growth in vivo. Circ_SNX27 served as a sponge of miR-637 to promote FGFR1 expression. MiR-637 reduction abolished the restrained effect of circ_SNX27 absence on HCC cell development. Moreover, miR-637 curbed HCC cell malignant phenotype by regulating FGFR1. Conclusion: Circ_SNX27 contributed to HCC development via miR-637/FGFR1 axis, offering a new idea for the treatment of HCC.

Automated summary

This study revealed the regulatory role of circ_SNX27 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development through the miR-637/FGFR1 axis.