Splicing factor ESRP1 derived circ_0068162 promotes the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma via the miR-186/JAG axis

Abstract Objectives Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy in the oral and maxillofacial regions with an increasing incidence rate. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a recently discovered long-chain non-coding RNA family member. The objective of this study was to analyze the role of circ_0068162 in OSCC development. Methods We downloaded sample data GSE145608 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Online databases Starbase, TargetScan and miRDB were used to predict the target microRNAs (miRNAs) and genes. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using the CCK-8 and EdU assays, respectively. Cell migration and invasion abilities were detected using transwell assay. The double luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were performed to verify the interaction relationship between the identified target molecules. RNase R and actinomycin D treatment were performed to analyze the stability of circ_0068162. Results We found that circ_0068162 was overexpressed in the cytoplasm of OSCC cells and clinical OSCC tissues. Knockdown of circ_0068162 inhibited the growth, migration and invasion of OSCC cells. We also identified miR-186 as the target miRNA of circ_0068162, and JAG1 and JAG2 as the target genes of miR-186. The miR-186 inhibitor rescued the effects of sh-circ_0068162 and JAG1/JAG2 overexpression rescued the effects of miR-186 mimic in OSCC cells. Furthermore, ESRP1 promoted the biosynthesis of circ_0068162. Conclusions The circ_0068162/miR-186/JAGs/ESRP1 feedback loop is closely related to OSCC development.