Circular RNA circ_0000039 enhances gastric cancer progression through miR-1292-5p/DEK axis.

BACKGROUND: Circular RNA (circRNA) is a class of non-coding RNA that is vital for regulating gene expression and biological functions. Mounting studies demonstrate that circRNA is crucial for human cancer development. However, the role of circ_0000039 in gastric cancer (GC) remains uncertain. METHODS: Normal human gastric tissues and GC tissue samples were collected, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to detect the expression levels of circ_0000039, miR-1292-5p, and DEK. GC cell lines with overexpression and low expression of circ_0000039 were constructed. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), scratch healing and Transwell experiments were used to assess the function of circ_0000039 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays were employed to detect the targeting relationship between circ_0000039 and miR-1292-5p. RESULTS: Circ_0000039 expression was up-regulated in GC tissues and cell lines, and it was significantly related with poor differentiation of tumor tissues. In addition, circ_0000039 overexpression enhanced the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells, while circ_0000039 depletion inhibited these malignant biological behaviors. In terms of mechanism, it was found that circ_0000039 promoted the proliferation and progression of GC cells by adsorbing miR-1292-5p and up-regulating the expression of DEK. CONCLUSION: Circ_0000039 is a new oncogenic circRNA in GC, which regulates the miR-1292-5p/DEK axis to modulate the malignant biological behaviors of GC.