Circ_0049271 targets the miR-1197/PTRF axis to attenuate the malignancy of osteosarcoma.

Abstract

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) perform key regulatory functions in osteosarcoma (OS) tumorigenesis. In this study, we aimed to explore the detailed action mechanisms of circ_0049271 in OS progression. Cell colony formation, cell counting kit-8, and transwell assays were performed to assess the proliferation and invasion of OS cells. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to determine the expression levels of polymerase 1 and transcript release factor (PTRF), microRNA (miR)-1197, and circ_0049271 in OS cells. Furthermore, RNA immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase assays were conducted to explore the targeted relationships among PTRF, miR-1197, and circ_0049271. Finally, a tumor formation assay was conducted to determine the effects of circ_0049271 on in vivo tumor growth in mice. High expression levels of miR-1197 and low levels of circ_0049271 and PTRF were observed in OS cells. circ _0049271 targeted miR-1197 to mediate PTRF expression. Moreover, the proliferation and invasion of OS cells were repressed by circ_0049271 or PTRF overexpression and increased by miR-1197 upregulation. Enforced circ_0049271 also impeded tumor growth in vivo. Upregulation of miR-1197 reversed the antitumor effects of circ_0049271 on OS progression in vitro; however, PTRF overexpression attenuated the cancer-promoting effects of miR-1197 on OS in vitro. Our findings revealed that circ_0049271 targeted the miR-1197/PTRF axis to attenuate the malignancy of OS, suggesting a potential target for its clinical treatment.