Circ_0016347 Promotes Osteosarcoma Progression by Regulating miR-1225-3p/KCNH1 Axis

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common malignant bone cancer and usually occurs in adolescents and children. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play essential roles in tumor development and progression. This study aimed to explore the function and molecular basis of circ_0016347 in OS progression. Materials and Methods: The levels of circ_0016347, miR-1225-3p, and ether à go-go 1 (KCNH1) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or Western blot assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and colony formation assay. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated by transwell assay. Glucose consumption and lactate production were detected by glucose detection and lactic acid detection kits. The levels of Ki-67, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and hexokinase-2 (HK2) were examined by Western blot assay. The interaction among circ_0016347, miR-1225-3p, and KCNH1 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Xenograft assay was conducted to analyze tumor growth in vivo. Results: Circ_0016347 and KCNH1 were upregulated, while miR-1225-3p was downregulated in OS tissues or cells. Circ_0016347 and KCNH1 promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis of OS cells. Circ_0016347 regulated OS progression by modulating KCNH1. Circ_0016347 was a sponge of miR-1225-3p, and miR-1225-3p targeted KCNH1. Circ_0016347 regulated KCNH1 expression via sponging miR-1225-3p. Moreover, silencing of circ_0016347 inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Conclusion: Circ_0016347 contributed to OS progression through the miR-1225-3p/KCNH1 axis, which might provide a promising biomarker for OS therapy.