Circ_0006789 Promotes the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Modulating miR-1324 and SOX12

Abstract

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) exert an important regulatory effect on cancer progression. Reportedly, circRNAs can modulate gene expression by working as molecular sponges for miRNAs. Nonetheless, many functional circRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain to be identified. This study aimed to explore the role of hsa_circ_0006789 (circ_0006789) in HCC. Methods: The expression profile of circRNAs in HCC tumor tissues was analyzed using circRNA microarray data. Circ_0006789 expression in HCC tissues and cell lines was examined by qPCR. After circ_0006789 was overexpressed or knocked down in HCC cell lines, HCC cell growth, migration and invasion were evaluated by the CCK-8 method and Transwell experiment. RIP assay, RNA pull-down assay, dual-luciferase reporter experiment and Western blotting were adopted to investigate the regulatory mechanism among circ_0006789, microRNA (miR)-1324 and SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 12 (SOX12). Results: Circ_0006789 was overexpressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. Circ_0006789 overexpression accelerated the growth, migration and invasion of HCC cells, while knockdown of circ_0006789 exerted the opposite effects. miR-1324 was confirmed as a target of circ_0006789, and miR-1324 targeted SOX12 to suppress its expression. Circ_0006789 could promote SOX12 expression by sponging miR-1324. Conclusion: Circ_0006789 modulates the growth, migration and invasion of HCC cells by regulating miR-1324/SOX12 axis.