Circ-IGF1R Affects the Progression of Colorectal Cancer by Activating the miR-362-5p/HMGB3-Mediated Wnt/β-Catenin Signal Pathway

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of circRNA insulin growth factor 1 receptor (circ-IGF1R) in colorectal cancer (CRC). Glycolytic metabolism was analyzed by glucose uptake and lactate production using the corresponding kits. The protein levels were determined using Western blot. The effect of circ-IGF1R on CRC in vivo was explored by xenograft experiment in mice. Circ-IGF1R was up-regulated in CRC tissues and cells. Knockdown of circ-IGF1R inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis but induced apoptosis of CRC cells. Circ-IGF1R interacted with miR-362-5p and miR-362-5p inhibitor attenuated the anti-tumor effects of circ-IGF1R downregulation on CRC cells. HMGB3 acted as a downstream target for miR-362-5p, and circ-IGF1R facilitated the malignant behaviors of CRC cells by regulating HMGB3. Circ-IGF1R activated the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway via targeting miR-362-5p/HMGB3 axis. Tumor growth in vivo was reduced after knockdown of circ-IGF1R. Circ-IGF1R might be a novel biomolecular target for CRC diagnosis and treatment.