Circ_0026359 induces HOXA9 to regulate gastric cancer malignant progression through miR-140-3p

Abstract

Recent researches indicate the key role of circRNA in gastric cancer (GC) progression. However, the role of circ_0026359 in GC progression remains unclear. This study aims to analyze the role of circ_0026359 in GC development and the underlying mechanism. The results showed that compared with controls, GC tissues and cells displayed high circ_0026359 and HOXA9 expression, and low miR-140-3p expression. Depletion of circ_0026359 repressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis, and induced cell apoptosis. Circ_0026359 knockdown inhibited neoplasm growth in vivo. Under-expression of miR-140-3p, a target miRNA of circ_0026359, relieved the effects of circ_0026359 knockdown on GC progression. Additionally, HOXA9 was regulated by the circ_0026359/miR-140-3p axis. Thus, circ_0026359 absence inhibited GC progression by miR-140-3p/HOXA9 pathway, which provided an effective therapeutic target for GC.