Hsa_circ_0000467 promotes colorectal cancer proliferation and stem cell characteristics by activating the TCF4/Wnt/β-catenin pathway via sponging miR-520g

TL;DR

This study shows that circ_0000467 promotes colorectal cancer growth and stem cell traits by interacting with miR-520g and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Contribution

The study identifies a novel regulatory mechanism involving circ_0000467, miR-520g, and TCF4 in colorectal cancer progression.

Findings

Circ_0000467 is overexpressed in CRC and linked to poor prognosis.

It enhances tumor growth and stem-like properties by sponging miR-520g and activating TCF4/Wnt/β-catenin.

Silencing TCF4 or overexpressing miR-520g reverses the effects of circ_0000467.

Abstract

This study explores the role of circ_0000467 in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and its potential as a therapeutic target. Circ_0000467 expression was analyzed using public datasets and clinical samples from 103 CRC patients. Functional assays evaluated its influence on CRC cell proliferation, migration, and stem-like properties. Molecular interactions with miR-520g and TCF4 were examined, and in vivo experiments assessed tumor growth. Circ_0000467 was significantly overexpressed in CRC and associated with poor prognosis. Its upregulation enhanced tumor growth, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and stem-like characteristics by increasing key markers (CD44, EpCAM, SOX2, and Nanog). Mechanistically, circ_0000467 acted as a molecular sponge for miR-520g, leading to increased TCF4 expression and activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Silencing TCF4 or overexpressing miR-520g reversed these effects. Circ_0000467 promotes CRC progression by regulating the TCF4/Wnt/β-catenin pathway through miR-520g, highlighting its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC.

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