Knockdown of hsa_circ_0001964 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation by inactivating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Background Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) play vital roles in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the exact role and detailed mechanism of hsa_circ_0001964 during HCC carcinogenesis remains unknown. Objective To explore the expression, role and mechanism of hsa_circ_0001964 in HCC. Result The results indicated that the mRNA expression of hsa_circ_0001964 was upregulated in HCC cell lines and tissues, respectively, and hsa_circ_0001964 knockdown inhibited HCC cell proliferation in vitro. Western blot analysis showed that hsa_circ_0001964 knockdown suppressed the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and its downstream factors (including c-Jun, c-Myc, and CCND1). Conclusion The results of the present study suggested that hsa_circ_0001964 may correlate with HBV infection, and it promotes HCC carcinogenesis via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The findings of the present study provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms of HCC initiation, which may help to develop new treatment strategies against HCC.