Hsa_circ_0001615 downregulation inhibits esophageal cancer development through miR-142-5p/β-catenin.

Background: Recent studies have found that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in tumorigenesis. This study aimed to determine the function and potential mechanisms of hsa_circ_0001615 in esophageal cancer. Methods: Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate the expression of hsa_circ_0001615 and miR-142-5p. Subsequently, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium salt, flow cytometry, clone formation, and transwell assays were used to assess the function of hsa_circ_0001615. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to verify cyclin D1, Bcl-2 associated X, B-cell lymphoma/leukemia gene-2, and β-catenin levels. Circular RNA Interactome was used to estimate the binding site between hsa_circ_0001615 and miR-142-5p. Additionally, dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to determine whether miR-142-5p was a direct target of hsa_circ_0001615. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between miR-142-5p and hsa_circ_0001615. Results: In esophageal cancer, the expressions of hsa_circ_0001615 and miR-142-5p were increased and decreased, respectively. Hsa_circ_0001615 inhibition significantly reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion but increased the apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells. Additionally, hsa_circ_0001615 knockdown increased miR-142-5p expression but decreased β-catenin expression. MiR-142-5p was a direct target of hsa_circ_0001615. Conclusion: Hsa_circ_0001615 knockdown could mediate antitumor effects through the miR-142-5p/β-catenin pathway.