Hsa_circ_0001550 facilitates colorectal cancer progression through mediating microRNA-4262/nuclear casein kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase substrate 1 cascade.

Abstract

BackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in various malignancies, such as colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the function of hsa_circ_0001550 in CRC remains to be elucidated.MethodsThe expression levels of hsa_circ_0001550, microRNA (miR)‐4262, and nuclear casein kinase and cyclin‐dependent kinase substrate 1 (NUCKS1) were determined by real‐time qPCR. Cell biological behaviors were evaluated via colony formation assay, transwell assay, flow cytometry, and sphere formation assays. The target relationship was validated via dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA pull‐down assays. Protein expression was analyzed by western blot. Xenograft tumor model was adopted to evaluate hsa_circ_0001550 function in vivo.ResultsHsa_circ_0001550 enrichment was enhanced in CRC tissue specimens and cell lines. Hsa_circ_0001550 absence hindered CRC cell proliferation, metastasis, stemness, and caused apoptosis. Hsa_circ_0001550 targeted miR‐4262, and hsa_circ_0001550 absence‐caused impacts were diminished by anti‐miR‐4262. MiR‐4262 targeted NUCKS1. Hsa_circ_0001550 had positive regulation on NUCKS1 expression. NUCKS1 overexpression overturned the influences of hsa_circ_0001550 silencingon CRC cell progression. Hsa_circ_0001550 interference notably blocked in vivo xenograft tumor growth.ConclusionHsa_circ_0001550 facilitated CRC progression by binding to miR‐4262 to positively regulate NUCKS1 abundance.