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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Research

Circ_0000182 promotes cholesterol synthesis and proliferation of stomach adenocarcinoma cells by targeting miR-579-3p/SQLE axis

Authors: Cui-juan Qian, Yu-xin Zhou, Lin-ken Wu, Yi-chao Wang, Xiao-sheng Teng, Jun Yao

Published in: Discover Oncology | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) or cholesterol metabolism have been demonstrated to participate in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) progression. However, the relationship between circRNAs and cholesterol metabolism in STAD and its underlined mechanism remain unclear.

Methods

RNA and protein expression levels were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8, EdU incorporation and colony formation assays. Total cholesterol (TC) and free cholesterol (FC) levels were measured by the corresponding kits. The relationships between circ_0000182 and miR-579-3p or squalene epoxidase (SQLE) mRNA were investigated by bioinformatics analysis, RNA-RNA pull-down, luciferase reporter and RIP assays.

Results

We found that circ_0000182 expression was significantly up-regulated in both STAD tissues and cell lines, and high circ_0000182 expression was correlated with increased tumor size. Circ_0000182 promoted cell proliferation and cholesterol synthesis of STAD cells. Accordingly, cell proliferation, cholesterol synthesis and SQLE expression were significantly inhibited by circ_0000182 knockdown in STAD cells, and these effects were partly reversed by miR-579-3p inhibition or SQLE over-expression. Furthermore, we identified that circ_0000182 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miR-579-3p, thereby facilitating SQLE expression, cholesterol synthesis and cell proliferation.

Conclusion

Circ_0000182 promotes cholesterol synthesis and proliferation of STAD cells by enhancing SQLE expression via sponging miR-579-3p.

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Title: Circ_0000182 promotes cholesterol synthesis and proliferation of stomach adenocarcinoma cells by targeting miR-579-3p/SQLE axis
Authors: Cui-juan Qian
Yu-xin Zhou
Lin-ken Wu
Yi-chao Wang
Xiao-sheng Teng
Jun Yao
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Discover Oncology / Issue 1/2023
Print ISSN: 1868-8497
Electronic ISSN: 2730-6011
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-023-00630-5

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