Hsa_circRNA_0101125 Promotes Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma via miR‐143‐3p/ZNF148 Axis

ABSTRACT Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly invasive and metastatic malignancy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), including hsa_circRNA_0101125, have been implicated in regulating cancer metastasis. But its potential roles in ESCC remain underexplored, particularly in relation to miR‐143‐3p. This study aimed to investigate the role of hsa_circRNA_0101125/miR‐143‐3p in the occurrence and development of ESCC. KYSE150 and ECA109 cells were used as in vitro models to evaluate the biological effects of hsa_circRNA_0101125. The interaction between ZNF148 and miR‐143‐3p was confirmed by dual‐luciferase assay. To assess the functional role of this pathway, cells were transfected with sh‐hsa_circRNA_0101125 vectors and/or miR‐143‐3p inhibitors, followed by assays for cell viability (CCK‐8), migration (wound healing assay), and invasion (Transwell assay). Transcriptions and expressions of hsa_circRNA_0101125, miR‐143‐3p, and ZNF148 were measured by RT‐qPCR and western blot. Results showed that hsa_circRNA_0101125 was localized in the cytoplasm and negatively regulated miR‐143‐3p, which targeted ZNF148. Inhibition of hsa_circRNA_0101125 significantly reduced cell viability, migration, and invasion, downregulated ZNF148 and Vimentin, and upregulated miR‐143‐3p and E‐cadherin expressions. In contrast, downregulating miR‐143‐3p abolished these effects. Therefore, hsa_circRNA_0101125 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ESCC cells by inhibiting the expression of miR‐143‐3p.