Background: Circular RNAs can act as critical regulators in the tumorigenesis and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer (OC). Herein, this work aimed to probe the function and mechanism of circ_0026123 in the cisplatin (DDP) resistance and progression of OC and its potential value in the clinic.
Methods: The quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were used to detect the levels of RNAs and proteins. In vitro experiments were conducted using CCK-8, EdU, transwell, tube formation assays and flow cytometry. Mouse subcutaneous xenograft model was used for in vivo experiments. The interaction between circ_0026123 or RAB1A (Ras-related protein Rab-1A) and miR-543 was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays.
Results: Circ_0026123 expression was higher in DDP-resistant OC tissues and cells. Silencing of circ_0026123 dramatically boosted the sensitivity of DDP-resistant OC cells to DDP, as well as inhibited cell growth, angiogenesis, invasion and migration abilities in vitro. Circ_0026123 functionally targeted miR-543, and knockdown of miR-543 reversed the impacts of circ_0026123 deficiency on DDP sensitivity and the malignant behaviors of DDP-resistant OC cells. RAB1A was a target of miR-543, RAB1A overexpression attenuated the inhibitory functions of miR-543 on DDP resistance and the malignant phenotypes of DDP-resistant OC cells. Preclinically, lentivirus-mediated circ_0026123 downregulation also suppressed OC growth and enhanced DDP cytotoxicity in vivo.
Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that circ_0026123 acted as a sponge for miR-543 to elevate RAB1A expression, thus promoting cisplatin resistance and tumorigenesis in ovarian cancer.
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