Knockdown of circ_0011946 targets miR-216a-5p/BCL2L2 axis to regulate proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

Abstract

Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The aim of current research is to elucidate the role and mechanism of circ_0011946 in the functional behaviors of OSCC cells. Methods Circ_0011946, microRNA (miR)-216a-5p, B cell lymphoma-2-like 2 protein (BCL2L2) abundances were exposed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were detected by MTT, colony formation assay, transwell, wound-healing and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Target correlation was tested by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. An in vivo xenograft experiment was employed to investigate the function of circ_0011946 on tumor growth in vivo. Results Circ_0011946 and BCL2L2 levels were increased, while miR-216a-5p level was decreased in OSCC tissues and cells. Circ_0011946 knockdown impeded proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promoted apoptosis in OSCC cells. Circ_0011946 functioned as a sponge for miR-216a-5p, and BCL2L2 was targeted by miR-216a-5p. Besides, miR-216a-5p or BCL2L2 knockdown partly attenuated the inhibitory influences of circ_0011946 silence or miR-216a-5p overexpression on OSCC cell progression. Furthermore, circ_0011946 post-transcriptionally regulated BCL2L2 through sponging miR-216a-5p. Moreover, circ_0011946 knockdown constrained OSCC tumor growth in vivo. Conclusion Circ_0011946 silence repressed OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promoted apoptosis through the regulation of the miR-216a-5p/BCL2L2 axis.

CircRNAs: A Promising Star for Treatment and Prognosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…CircMOT1 binds with miR-9, inhibiting the progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [ 23 ]. Circ_0011946 can act as an miR-216a-5p sponge, promoting the expression of BCL2L2, whereas circ_0011946 knockdown constrains the tumorigenic phenotypes of OSCC cells [ 24 ]. These results collectively indicate that the sequestering of miRNAs is a common function for circRNAs.…”

Molecular mechanisms of microRNA-216a during tumor progression

“…BCL2L2 enhances tumor progression by facilitating cell growth and division [ 134 ]. Circ-0011946 inhibition reduced OSCC cell growth and metastasis while induced apoptosis via the miR-216a-5p/BCL2L2 axis [ 135 ]. HOTTIP induced chemo resistance in small cell lung cancer through the miR-216a/BCL-2 axis [ 136 ].…”