Circular RNA ciRS-7 promotes laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma development by inducing TGM3 hypermethylation via miR-432-5p/DNMT3B axis

Objective: This work is to explore the mechanism by which circular RNA ciRS-7 affects laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Methods: ciRS-7 expression in LSCC tissues was detected by qRT-PCR, and the association between ciRS-7 with clinicopathological features of LSCC patients was evaluated. HN-4 and UM-SCC-10A cells were transfected or cotransfected with si-ciRS-7, miR-432-5p inhibitor, LV-DNMT3B or si-TGM3. Then, the viability and aggressive nature of the cells were tested. The binding site between ciRS-7 and miR-432-5p or between miR-432-5p and DNMT3B was predicted and the targeting relationship was identified. The specific binding between ciRS-7 and miR-432-5p was further verified by AGO2 RIP assay. HN-4 cells transfected with si-ciRS-7 was injected into nude mice to induce xenograft tumors. Results: Higher ciRS-7 expression in LSCC tissues was closely associated with higher clinical stage, and exacerbated infiltration and lymph node metastasis in LSCC patients. Silencing ciRS-7 inhibited LSCC cell viability, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and promoted the apoptosis. When miR-432-5p was inhibited or DNMT3B was overexpressed, the growth and EMT of LSCC cells were stimulated despite ciRS-7 silencing. Downregulation of ciRS-7 restrained the growth of xenograft tumors in vivo. Conclusion: ciRS-7 promotes the progression of LSCC through increasing TGM3 methylation via miR-432-5p/ DNMT3B axis.

Automated summary

This study found that ciRS-7 promotes the progression of LSCC through increasing TGM3 methylation via the miR-432-5p/DNMT3B axis.