CircSAMD11 facilitates progression of cervical cancer via regulating miR-503/SOX4 axis through Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Abstract

Cervical cancer (CC) is a common gynaecological malignant tumour with a high mortality rate. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a critical role in tumour occurrence and development. This study aimed to investigate the function and molecular basis of hsa_circ_0009189 (circSAMD11) in CC development. RNA levels were determined by qRT-PCR, and protein expression was measured by western blot. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, Transwell and flow cytometry assays. The relationship between miR-503 and circSAMD11/SOX4 was validated via dual-luciferase reporter assay, RIP or RNA pull-down assay. Xenograft assay was conducted to test tumour growth in vivo. CircSAMD11 and SOX4levels were elevated, while miR-503level was reduced in CC tissues and cells. Knockdown of circSAMD11suppressed CC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and accelerated apoptosis. CircSAMD11 was localised in cytoplasm and directly targeted miR-503. Also, circSAMD11sponged miR-503 to modulate SOX4 expression. Additionally, circSAMD11 regulated CC progression via absorbing miR-503 or modulating SOX4. Besides, depletion of circSAMD11hindered tumorigenesis in vivo. CircSAMD11 contributed to CC progression by regulating miR-503/SOX4signalling and activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which provides a promising therapeutic target for cervical cancer.