CircTMEM87A promotes the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer by regulating the miR‐1276/SLC7A11 axis

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundGastric cancer (GC) is a common malignancy with high incidence and mortality, and its pathogenesis involves the regulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs). However, the molecular mechanism of circTMEM87A in GC malignant progression is uncertain.MethodsQuantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was performed to detect the expressions of circTMEM87A, miR‐1276, and solute carrier family 7 membrane 11 (SLC7A11). Western blot was applied to detect protein expression levels of EMT‐related proteins (vimentin and E‐cadherin) and SLC7A11. Cell counting kit‐8 assay (CCK8) and thymidine analog 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) were performed to assess cell proliferation. Apoptosis was investigated using flow cytometry. Transwell assay and wound healing assay were carried out to examine the migration of MKN‐7 and AGS cells. The Cellular ROS Assay Kit, Iron Assay Kit, and GSH/GSSG Ratio Detection Assay Kit were utilized to monitor lipid ROS level, iron level, and GSH/GSSG ratio, respectively. The interaction between miR‐1276 and circTMEM87A or SLC7A11 was investigated using dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. A xenograft mouse model was constructed to explore the function of circTMEM87A in tumor formation in vivo.ResultsCircTMEM87A and SLC7A11 were upregulated, while miR‐1276 was downregulated in GC tissues and cells. Knockdown of circTMEM87A suppressed the proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis and ferroptosis of GC cells. CircTMEM87A served as a sponge for miR‐1276, and miR‐1276 inhibitor relieved the circTMEM87A knockdown‐induced effects on GC cell phenotypes. Similarly, SLC7A11, a downstream gene of miR‐1276, rescued miR‐1276 overexpression‐induced effects on GC cell function. Furthermore, circTMEM87A knockdown inhibited GC cell tumor phenotypes in vivo.ConclusionCircTMEM87A promoted the proliferation and migration and inhibited apoptosis and ferroptosis of GC cells by increasing SLC7A11 expression through binding to miR‐1276.