Hsa_circ_0102171 aggravates the progression of cervical cancer through targeting miR-4465/CREBRF axis.

Cervical cancer (CC) has caused numerous cancer-related deaths in women. Recent years, circular RNAs have been reported as vital factors in CC tumorigenesis. Our current study focused on the role of hsa_circ_0102171 (called circ_0102171 subsequently) in CC. At first, we applied reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to detect the expression of circ_0102171 in CC tissues and cells. Subsequently, we silenced circ_0102171 to conduct loss-of-function assays, including cell counting kit-8 assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry analysis. Interestingly, we discovered that circ_0102171 expressed at a high level in CC tissues and cells. Functionally, silencing circ_0102171 prohibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and strengthened cell apoptosis in CC in vitro. Mechanistic investigations revealed that circ_0102171 could act as a sponge for miR-4465. Gain-of-function assays demonstrated that miR-4465 hindered the growth and migration of CC cells. Moreover, circ_0102171 enhanced the level of CREB3 regulatory factor (CREBRF) which was the downstream target of miR-4465. Rescue assays suggested that CREBRF and miR-4465 could involve in circ_0102171-mediated CC progression. Finally, in vivo data supported that silencing circ_0102171 hindered CC cell growth. In conclusion, circ_0102171 aggravates CC progression via targeting miR-4465/CREBRF axis.

Dose fusion and efficacy evaluation of different radical radiotherapy doses for cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: The recommended external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) dose for cervical cancer is 40-50 Gy, but there is no consensus. In this study, 45-Gy and 50.4-Gy treatment groups were compared for fused doses to target tumor areas and organs at risk (OARs), clinical efficacy, and quality of life. METHODS: Seventy-nine cases receiving radical radiotherapy within the past 3 years were retrospectively analyzed. EBRT and three-dimensional brachytherapy dose fusion values were calculated for target areas and OARs using Elastix V5.0. Clinical efficacy was assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), adverse events using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.03 (CTCAE4.03), and quality of life using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). RESULTS: Minimum fused dose delivered to 90% of the high-risk clinical target volume (HRCTV D90) did not differ significantly between 45-Gy and 50.4-Gy groups, whereas D2cc values of rectum and bladder (OARs) were significantly lower in the 45-Gy group (both p < 0.05). Further analysis showed that these D2cc differences resulted primarily from EBRT. No grade III-IV adverse events were observed in either group during follow up. Short-term clinical efficacy, adverse events, and EORTC QLQ-C30 functional and symptom scales also did not differ significantly between groups (all p > 0.05). However, quality of life was markedly higher in the 45-Gy group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Appropriate EBRT dose reduction can reduce OAR irradiation without compromising total target area dose or clinical efficacy. Dose fusion can facilitate the judicious choice of EBRT to limit OAR exposure, reduce adverse events, and enhance the quality of life.

LINC02535 co-functions with PCBP2 to regulate DNA damage repair in cervical cancer by stabilizing RRM1 mRNA.

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the commonest malignant cancers among women with high morbidity and mortality. Despite encouraging advances had been found in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, effective therapeutic strategy and further exploration of the mechanism underlying in CC is still needed. We searched The Cancer Genome Atlas database and found that long noncoding RNA LINC02535 was highly expressed in CC. LINC02535 has not been studied in CC, and its molecular regulation mechanism remains unknown. Based on starBase database, LINC02535 could potentially bind poly (rC) binding protein 2 (PCBP2). In the present study, we discovered a significant increase of the LINC02535 and PCBP2 expression in CC tissues and cells as compared with the adjacent normal tissues and normal cervical epithelial cells. LINC02535 and PCBP2 can bind with each other and were colocated in cytoplasm. LINC02535 and PCBP2 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and suppressed apoptosis in CC. LINC02535 and PCBP2 facilitated the repair of DNA damage to promote CC progression. LINC02535 cooperated with PCBP2 to enhance the stability of RRM1 messenger RNA (mRNA). RRM1 promoted the repair of DNA damage and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in CC cells. LINC02535 regulated tumorigenesis in vivo. In conclusion, LINC02535 cooperated with PCBP2, regulated stability of RRM1 mRNA to promote cell proliferation and EMT process in CC cells by facilitating the repair of DNA damage, providing a potential biomarker for CC.