Hsa_circ_0058129 regulates papillary thyroid cancer development via miR-873-5p/follistatin-like 1 axis.

Background: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is an endocrine malignancy with a high incidence. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in regulating PTC. Here, we analyzed the role of hsa_circ_0058129 (circ_0058129) in PTC.

Methods: The expression of circ_0058129, fibronectin 1 (FN1) mRNA, microRNA-873-5p (miR-873-5p), and follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) was detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. Cell proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8, EdU, and flow cytometry analysis assays. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated by Transwell assay. The targeting relationship of miR-873-5p and circ_0058129 or FSTL1 was identified through dual-luciferase reporter assay, RIP assay, and RNA pull-down assay. Xenograft mouse model assay was implemented to determine the effect of circ_0058129 on tumor formation in vivo.

Results: The circ_0058129 and FSTL1 abundances were increased, while the miR-873-5p content was decreased in PTC tissues and cells compared with control groups. Circ_0058129 shortage inhibited PTC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, miR-873-5p repressed PTC cell malignancy by binding to FSTL1. Circ_0058129 targeted miR-873-5p to regulate FSTL1.

Conclusion: Circ_0058129 expedited PTC progression through the miR-873-5p/FSTL1 pathway.