Hsa_circ_0102171 aggravates the progression of cervical cancer through targeting miR‐4465/CREBRF axis
AbstractCervical cancer (CC) has caused numerous cancer‐related deaths in women. Recent years, circular RNAs have been reported as vital factors in CC tumorigenesis. Our current study focused on the role of hsa_circ_0102171 (called circ_0102171 subsequently) in CC. At first, we applied reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to detect the expression of circ_0102171 in CC tissues and cells. Subsequently, we silenced circ_0102171 to conduct loss‐of‐function assays, including cell counting kit‐8 assay, 5‐ethynyl‐2'‐deoxyuridine staining, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry analysis. Interestingly, we discovered that circ_0102171 expressed at a high level in CC tissues and cells. Functionally, silencing circ_0102171 prohibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and strengthened cell apoptosis in CC in vitro. Mechanistic investigations revealed that circ_0102171 could act as a sponge for miR‐4465. Gain‐of‐function assays demonstrated that miR‐4465 hindered the growth and migration of CC cells. Moreover, circ_0102171 enhanced the level of CREB3 regulatory factor (CREBRF) which was the downstream target of miR‐4465. Rescue assays suggested that CREBRF and miR‐4465 could involve in circ_0102171‐mediated CC progression. Finally, in vivo data supported that silencing circ_0102171 hindered CC cell growth. In conclusion, circ_0102171 aggravates CC progression via targeting miR‐4465/CREBRF axis.
