Circ_0058063 contributes to oral squamous cell carcinoma development by sponging miR‐145‐5p and upregulating SERPINE1

Background We aimed to demonstrate the effects circ_0058063 exerted on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its downstream mechanism associated with miR-145-5p and SERPINE1. Methods The relevant contents of miR-145-5p, circ 0058063, and SERPINE1 mRNAs in OSCC were evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Functional experiments including CCK-8, Transwell, Western blot, and in vivo experiment were implemented to investigate the biological impacts on OSCC cells. Using dual-luciferase reporter, RIP, and RNA pull-down assays, the direct binding relationship between miR-145-5p, circ 0058063, and SERPINE1, SMAD3, CYR61, and IGF1R mRNAs was verified. Results In OSCC, Circ 0058063 was significantly overexpressed. Knockdown of circ_0058063 suppressed OSCC cell migration and proliferation, but enhanced cell apoptosis. Functionally and mechanistically, circ_0058063 could specifically bind with miR-145-5p and thus upregulated expression of downstream target SERPINE1, which together contributed to the progression of OSCC. Conclusion Circ_0058063 could promote the malignant behavior of OSCC by upregulating SERPINE1 through sponging miR-145-5p.