ZC3H13-induced the m6A modification of hsa_circ_0081723 promotes cervical cancer progression via AMPK/p53 pathway

Background

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification and circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been confirmed to participate in cervical cancer (CC) progression. However, the function of a novel circRNA, hsa_circ_0081723, has not yet been explored in CC. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential role of hsa_circ_0081723 and its m6A modification in CC.

Methods

The hsa_circ_0081723 and ZC3H13 expressions were examined by qRT-PCR in the CC tissues, and their prognostic significance was evaluated via Kaplan–Meier Plotter. The role of hsa_circ_0081723 in CC progression was checked by loss-of-function assays. The relative protein levels of AMPK/p53 pathway were determined by western blotting. The interactions of hsa_circ_0081723 and ZC3H13 were verified via MeRIP and RNA stability assays.

Results

The hsa_circ_0081723 expression was elevated in CC samples, and its higher levels indicated high histological grade, high FIGO stage, poor differentiation, and poor prognosis. Functionally, silencing hsa_circ_0081723 impaired the malignant behavior of CC cells and enhanced the protein levels of key molecules of the AMPK signaling pathway. Moreover, ZC3H13 was also elevated in CC samples and demonstrated a positive association with hsa_circ_0081723. The relative enrichment of hsa_circ_0081723 m6A and its stability were enhanced in ZC3H13 overexpressed CC cells. Mechanically, ZC3H13 overexpression partially reversed the antitumor effects caused by hsa_circ_0081723 knockdown in CC cells.

Conclusions

This study innovatively demonstrates that ZC3H13-mediated m6A modification of hsa_circ_0081723 promotes CC progression by modulating AMPK/p53 pathway. Our findings may contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying CC and offer potential therapeutic targets for clinical treatment.