Circ_0020123 promotes non‐small cell lung cancer progression via miR‐146a‐5p mediated regulation of EIF4G2 expression

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to be involved in the initiation and development of cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the role of a circRNA, circ_0020123, in the development of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsThe expression of circ_0020123, microRNA‐146a‐5p (miR‐146a‐5p), and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 2 (EIF4G2) mRNA was detected by quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR). Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of cyclin D1, Bax, MMP‐9, and EIF4G2. Cell proliferation was assessed by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry assay was applied to determine cell cycle apoptosis. Cell migration and invasion were assessed using transwell assay. The potential relationship between miR‐146a‐5p and circ_0020123 or EIF4G2 was ascertained by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. The role of circ_0020123 in vivo was explored by xenograft assay.ResultsCirc_0020123 was upregulated in NSCLC, and circ_0020123 knockdown repressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells. Circ_0020123 targeted miR‐146a‐5p, and miR‐146a‐5p inhibitor reversed the effects of circ_0020123 knockdown on NSCLC cells. In addition, miR‐146a‐5p suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting EIF4G2. Moreover, the antitumor role of circ_0020123 knockdown was verified in vivo.ConclusionKnockdown of circ_0020123 inhibited NSCLC cell progression and tumor growth by targeting the miR‐146a‐5p/EIF4G2 axis.