Circ_0005925 Promotes Granulosa Cell Growth by Targeting MiR-324-3p to Upregulate MAP2K6 in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Circular RNA has been reported to be involved in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the role of circ_0005925 in the progression of PCOS is unclear. The expression levels of circ_0005925, microRNA (miR)-324-3p, and MAPK kinase 6 (MAP2K6) were examined by quantitative real-time PCR. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined using cell counting kit 8 assay, EdU assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of apoptosis markers and MAP2K6. RNA interaction was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. Circ_0005925 was upregulated in GCs from PCOS patients, as well as in KGN and SVOG cells. Circ_0005925 knockdown repressed GCs proliferation and promoted apoptosis. MiR-324-3p was downregulated in PCOS patients, and it was sponged by circ_0005925. The regulation of circ_0005925 knockdown on GCs growth was abolished by miR-324-3p inhibitor. MAP2K6 was targeted by miR-324-3p, and its expression was positively regulated by circ_0005925. MiR-324-3p inhibited GCs proliferation and increased apoptosis by targeting MAP2K6. Collectively, our findings suggested that circ_0005925 promoted GCs growth through miR-324-3p/MAP2K6, which provided a promising therapeutic target for PCOS.

Automated summary

The circular RNA circ_0005925 promotes the growth and proliferation of granulosa cells (GCs) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through the miR-324-3p/MAP2K6 pathway.