Hsa_circ_0002346 inhibits proliferation, invasion, and migration of breast cancer cells and promotes apoptosis: A novel potential biomarker for breast cancer

Background Circular RNA hsa_circ_0002346 has been implicated in the progression of various tumors, yet the functional role in breast cancer remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the significance of hsa_circ_0002346 in breast cancer (BC). Methods Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to detect hsa_circ_0002346 expression in BC cell lins and 27 patients with BC. Then, siRNAs were used to knock down hsa_circ_0002346. And detecting function of downregulated hsa_circ_0002346 by proliferation colony formation, apoptosis assays, wound-healing assays and Transwell assays. Finally, we assess the levels of the EMT-associated proteins. Results Our findings suggest that hsa_circ_0002346 levels were significantly downregulated in breast cancer and may play a crucial role in regulating key cellular processes associated with cancer progression. The expression level of hsa_circ_0002346 was correlated with lymph node metastasis. The knockdown of hsa_circ_0002346 resulted in increased tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration and decreased apoptosis. Additionally, alterations in the expression of EMT-associated proteins further support the hypothesis that hsa_circ_0002346 is implicated in the metastatic processes of breast cancer. Conclusion hsa_circ_0002346 emerges as a promising biomarker for breast cancer and a potential therapeutic target for future treatment strategies.