CircNFIX promotes progression of pituitary adenoma via CCNB1 by sponging miR-34a-5p

Previous studies have shown that CCNB1 affects the invasiveness of pituitary adenomas, and it is of great significance to find the upstream mechanism of regulating CCNB1. In this study, we explored a significantly overexpressed circRNA in invasive pituitary adenomas. Based on bioinformatics analysis and mechanism experiments, we determined that circNFIX (has-circ_0005660) affects cell invasion, migration and proliferation in pituitary adenomas by sponging miR-34a-5p through CCNB1. In pituitary adenoma tissues, the expression of circNFIX and CCNB1 was upregulated, while miR-34a-5p expression was downregulated. The silencing of circNFIX or overexpression of miR-34a-5p inhibited cell invasion, migration and proliferation. Inhibition of miR34a-5p expression reversed the inhibitory effect of circNFIX silencing on the progression of pituitary adenoma. In conclusion, CircNFIX affects cell invasion, migration, and proliferation in pituitary adenomas by sponging miR-34a-5p through CCNB1. Therefore, circNFIX is expected to serve as a potential target for the treatment of pituitary adenomas.