Hsa_circ_0000337 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion in glioma by competitively binding miRNA-942-5p and thus upregulates MAT2A.

OBJECTIVE: CircRNAs are vital factors involved in the pathological processes. This study aims to elucidate the biological functions of hsa_circ_0000337 in affecting the malignant progress of glioma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Relative levels of hsa_circ_0000337 in 45 cases of glioma and 24 cases of normal tissues were tested. The correlation between hsa_circ_0000337 and clinical features of glioma was assessed. Proliferative and metastatic abilities of U87 and U251 cells regulated by hsa_circ_0000337 were examined by 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) and transwell assay, respectively. Potential molecular mechanism of hsa_circ_0000337 on regulating glioma cell functions was clarified by bioinformatic analysis, which was further verified through rescue experiments. RESULTS: Hsa_circ_0000337 was highly expressed in glioma cases. Its level was correlated to poor prognosis of glioma. In vitro experiments obtained the conclusion that hsa_circ_0000337 accelerated proliferative and metastatic abilities of glioma cells. Serving as a ceRNA, hsa_circ_0000337 sponged miRNA-942-5p to upregulate MAT2A, thus inducing the malignant phenotypes of glioma. CONCLUSIONS: Hsa_circ_0000337/miRNA-942-5p / MAT2A axis is responsible for the deterioration of glioma. Hsa_circ_0000337 may be a potential therapeutic target for glioma.