Circ_0009910 promotes proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through miR-335-5p/ROCK1 axis.

Objective CircRNAs serve an essential role in regulating the development and progression of various tumors. The aim of this study was to examine the role and mechanism of circ_0009910 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and methods RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of circ_0009910 and miR-335-5p in tissues and cell lines of HCC. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells were examined using 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU), colony formation, and Transwell assay, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to verify the interaction between miR-335-5p and circ_0009910 or ROCK1. Western blot was applied to detect the protein levels. Furthermore, the antitumor effect of circ_0009910 knockdown was examined by establishing xenograft tumor model of HCC in vivo. Results Circ_0009910 was upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of circ_0009910 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HepG2 cells and suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Moreover, circ_0009910 directly targeted miR-335-5p, as well as for ROCK1 was a direct target gene of miR-335-5p. Mechanically, simultaneous over-expression of miR-335-5p and circ_0009910 or ROCK1 could restore the biological behaviors of HepG2 cells, which were inhibited by miR-335-5p. Conclusions Circ_0009910-silenced suppressed the growth and metastasis of HCC cells through upregulating the inhibitory effect of miR-335-5p on ROCK1.