Circ_0001741 exerts as a tumor promoter in ovarian cancer through the regulation of miR-491-5p/PRSS8 axis

BackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs) are important regulators for ovarian cancer (OC). Circ_0001741 has been found to be highly expressed in OC samples and is involved in regulating paclitaxel resistance in OC cells. Therefore, circ_0001741 may play a vital role in OC process, and its potential molecular mechanism is worth further revealing.MethodsCirc_0001741, miR-491-5p, and PRSS8 levels in OC tumor tissues and cells were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR or western blot. The proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis of OC cells were detected by cell counting kit 8 assay, Edu assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay. RNA interaction was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. Xenograft assay was used to detect the effect of circ_0001741 knockdown on OC tumor growth in vivo.ResultsCirc_0001741 was upregulated in OC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of circ_0001741 repressed OC cell proliferation, metastasis, and enhanced apoptosis. Mechanistically, miR-491-5p was targeted by circ_0001741, and miR-491-5p inhibitor could attenuate the effect of circ_0001741 silencing on OC cell progression. Meanwhile, PRSS8 was a target of miR-491-5p, and miR-491-5p overexpression inhibited OC cell progression by targeting PRSS8. Circ_0001741 regulated PRSS8 expression by sponging miR-491-5p. Besides, circ_0001741 knockdown also inhibited OC tumor growth in vivo.ConclusionOur data showed that circ_0001741 could promote the growth and metastasis of OC cells through the miR-491-5p/PRSS8 axis, which provided a potential molecular target for the treatment of OC.