Abstract
Introduction
Circular RNAs are stable non-coding RNAs that regulate key biological processes. Hsa_circ_0001666
was shown to be involved in several cancers and in chronic inflammatory diseases.
It is overexpressed in Crohn's Disease (CD) and is associated with cell migration,
invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and fibrosis. Hsa_circ_0001666
acts as a sponge for multiple microRNAs (miRNAs). Some of these miRNAs regulate the
expression of ETS variant transcription factor 4 (ETV4), a protein regulating critical
genes implicated in inflammation, invasion, and EMT.
Objectives
To assess the plasma relative expression levels of hsa_circ_0001666 and the ETV4 protein
levels to evaluate their contribution to CD development and the possibility of utilizing
them as potential non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis of CD and assessment of the
disease activity.
Material and Methods
The present study included 25 patients with active CD, 25 patients with inactive CD,
and 25 healthy subjects as controls. The analysis of the relative expression of hsa_circ_0001666
in plasma was performed using the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction
(qPCR) method. The ETV4 concentration in plasma was measured using an enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results
Plasma expression levels of hsa_circ_0001666 and ETV4 protein were significantly higher
in active and inactive CD patients than the healthy controls, and in active CD patients
than in patients with inactive disease. Furthermore, there was a significant positive
correlation between hsa_circ_0001666 to ETV4 expression in the three studied groups.
Conclusion
Higher levels of hsa_circ_0001666 and ETV4 in CD patients suggest their role in disease
development and activity, and their potential use as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic
targets for CD management.
Keywords
Hsa_circ_0001666 - ETV4 - Crohn's disease - epithelial-mesenchymal transition - fibrosis
Bibliographical Record
Walaa N. Roushdy, Amel F. Ketat, Nadia A. Barghash, Abeer M. Ibrahim, Fatma D. Alfarjani.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0001666 and Its Target Protein ETV4 AS Potential Biomarkers
for Crohn's Disease. Journal of Coloproctology 2025; 45: s00451811943.
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1811943
