CircGFPT1 regulates the growth and apoptosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through miR-142-5p/HAX1 axis

Abstract

Background: Currently, multiple circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been verified to act as essential regulators in the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, there is no study regarding the role of circGFPT1 in the progression of cancers including ESCC. We aimed to investigate the role of circGFPT1 in ESCC progression.

Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to measure the expression of circGFPT1, miR-142-5p and HS1-associated protein X-1 (HAX1). 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were employed to evaluate cell proliferation. Cell migration and invasion were detected by wound-healing and transwell assays. Flow cytometry analysis was conducted to assess cell apoptosis. The protein expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, C-caspase3, HAX1 and nuclear proliferation marker (Ki67) was analyzed by western blot or immunohistochemistry assay.

Results: CircGFPT1 was up-regulated in ESCC tissues and cells. Silencing of circGFPT1 repressed cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in ESCC cells. CircGFPT1 acted as a sponge of miR-142-5p. The effects of circGFPT1 knockdown on ESCC cell proliferation and apoptosis were reversed by miR-142-5p inhibition. HAX1 was confirmed to be a target gene of miR-142-5p. CircGFPT1 knockdown inhibited HAX1 expression by targeting miR-142-5p. Additionally, circGFPT1 knockdown hampered tumorigenesis in vivo.

Conclusion: CircGFPT1 promoted ESCC cell growth and repressed apoptosis by up-regulating HAX1 through sponging miR-142-5p.

Keywords: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; HAX1; circGFPT1; miR-142-5p.