Circ-PRMT5 stimulates migration in esophageal cancer by binding miR-203

L.-W. Zhang, B. Wang, J.-X. Yang, H. Yang

Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Shouguang, Shouguang, China. 56041171@qq.com

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• Oncology

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to uncover the role of circ-PRMT5 in triggering the migratory ability of esophageal cancer by regulating microRNA-203 (miR-203) level.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Circ-PRMT5 levels in 56 matched esophageal cancer tissues and paracancerous ones were detected. The relationship between circ-PRMT5 level and clinical data of esophageal cancer patients was analyzed. Migratory abilities in TE-1 and OE33 cells influenced by circ-PRMT5 were evaluated by transwell and wound healing assay. Regulatory effect of circ-PRMT5 on miR-203 level, and the involvement of miR-203 in the development of esophageal cancer were determined through Dual-Luciferase reporter assay and rescue experiments.

RESULTS: Circ-PRMT5 was upregulated in esophageal cancer tissues and cell lines. The expression level of circ-PRMT5 was positively correlated to the rates of lymphatic metastasis and distant metastasis of esophageal cancer. Knockdown of circ-PRMT5 attenuated migratory abilities in TE-1 and OE33 cells. MiR-203 was verified to be the target gene binding circ-PRMT5, with a negative correlation between each other. Notably, miR-203 was responsible for the regulatory effect of circ-PRMT5 on migratory ability in esophageal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS: Circ-PRMT5 is positively correlated to the rates of lymphatic metastasis and distant metastasis of esophageal cancer. It promotes migratory ability in esophageal cancer by targeting miR-203.

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