Circ_0001955 plays a carcinogenic role in breast cancer via positively regulating GLUT1 via decoying miR-1299.

Abstract

BackgroundBreast cancer is widespread in females. The role of circular RNA (circRNA) in breast cancer has aroused much attention. However, the function of several circRNAs remain unclear. The aim of our study was to determine the role of circ_0001955 in breast cancer.MethodsQuantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) and western blot was employed for expression analysis of circ_0001955, miR‐1299 and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). Cell functions including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and angiogenesis, were assessed using EdU, flow cytometry, transwell and tube formation assays. Glycolysis metabolism was assessed according to glucose consumption, lactate production and ATP content. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay were utilized to validate the binding between miR‐1299 and circ_0001955 or GLUT1. The effects of circ_0001955 in vivo were observed by animal study.ResultsUpregulation of circ_0001955 was detected in breast cancer. Knockdown of circ_0001955 inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis and glycolysis. MiR‐1299 was a target of circ_0001955, and its repression reversed the effects of circ_0001955 knockdown. Moreover, circ_0001955 targeted miR‐1299 to positively regulate GLUT1 expression. GLUT1 overexpression reversed the effects of miR‐1299 enrichment. GLUT1 knockdown was verified to block tumor growth in vivo.ConclusionsCirc_0001955 was found to promote breast cancer malignant development via targeting of the miR‐1299/GLUT1 pathway, which contributes to our understanding of the pathogenesis of breast cancer.