The circHIPK3/miR-524-5p/Nr4A2 axis regulates colon cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis

Abstract Purpose Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are shown to play various key roles in cancer development and progression. This study sought to identify the role of one circRNA, circHIPK3, in colon cancer and determine the mechanism by which it impacts this disease. Methods CircHIPK3, miR-524-5p, and Nr4A2 expression were measured using qRT-PCR. Colon cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were determined using CCK-8 and transwell assays, and apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of related proteins. The correlation between miR-524-5p and circHIPK3 or Nr4A2 was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter gene analysis. Finally, animal experiments were used to evaluate the effect of circHIPK3 silencing in vivo. Results CircHIPK3 is highly expressed in colon cancer cells. Silencing of this gene inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promotes apoptosis. In addition, miR-524-5p, which interacts with Nr4A2, was shown to be a circHIPK3 target gene. Knockdown of miR-524-5p reversed the effect of circHIPK3 silencing on colon cancer cells. Meanwhile, Nr4A2 overexpression reversed the effects of miR-524-5p overexpression on colon cancer cells. Conclusion CircHIPK3 uses the miR-524-5p/Nr4A2 axis to inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and to promote apoptosis. These findings suggest that circHIPK3 could serve as a potential target for colon cancer treatment.