Downregulated circ_0001681 Predicts the Occurrence and Malignant Development of Lung Carcinoma via Negatively Modulating miR-567.

Abstract

Objective: The screening and monitoring of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is critical for its therapeutic efficiency. This study explored a novel biomarker of LUAD from the GSE146689 dataset and evaluated its function aiming to provide a potential therapeutic target for LUAD.

Methods: There were 126 LUAD patients, 75 benign lung disease patients, and 57 healthy individuals enrolled in this study. circ_0001681 levels were evaluated by PCR, and its significance in the diagnosis and prognosis of LUAD was assessed by ROC and Cox regression analysis. The effect of circ_0001681 on LUAD cells was investigated by CCK8 and transwell assays.

Results: Reduced circ_0001681 was observed in LUAD patients relative to benign lung disease patients and healthy individuals, which could discriminate LUAD patients. circ_0001681 downregulation was closely associated with the severity and malignancy of LUAD patients, and it also indicated the adverse prognosis of LUAD. In mechanism, circ_0001681 could negatively regulate miR-567, which was found to mediate the inhibitory effect of circ_0001681 on LUAD cell proliferation and motility.

Conclusion: Decreased circ_0001681 in LUAD served as a biomarker in tumor occurrence and development, which can be included in the formulation and adjustment of LUAD therapeutic strategy.