Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in the progression of human cancers and have
been broadly elucidated. Here, we aimed to elucidate the roles and functional
mechanisms of hsa_circ_0080608 (circ_0080608) in lung cancer. Quantitative
real-time PCR (qPCR) was performed to assess the mRNA expression levels of
circ_0080608, miR-661, and adrenoceptor alpha 1A (ADRA1A). Western blotting was
performed to measure ADRA1A protein levels. CCK-8, colony formation, and
Transwell assays were performed to determine the effect of circ_0080608 on cell
proliferation and migration. Animal models were used to assess how circ_0080608
influences tumor progression in vivo. The binding relationships of
miR-661’s with circ_0080608 and ADRA1A was confirmed using
dual-luciferase reporter and RIP assays. Circ_0080608 exhibited relatively low
expression in lung cancer samples and cells. Lung cancer cells overexpressing
circ_0080608 exhibited reduced migratory and proliferative abilities.
Additionally, circ_0080608 binds to miR-661 and operates as a competing
endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and shares a miR-661 binding site with the 3’ UTR
of ADRA1A. Furthermore, circ_0080608 inversely regulates miR-661 expression,
consequently restraining the aggressive behavior of lung cancer cells. Lung
cancer cells overexpressing ADRA1A also exhibit repressed migratory and
proliferative abilities. However, reintroduction of miR-661 led to a decline in
ADRA1A expression, thereby attenuating the functional effects of ADRA1A.
Circ_0080608 impedes lung cancer progression by regulating the
miR-661/ADRA1A pathway. Our findings provide new insights into the
progression of lung cancer.
Key words
lung cancer - circ_0080608 - miR-661 - ADRA1A
