Circ_0030042 inhibits trophoblast cell growth, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in preeclampsia via miR-942-5p/LITAF.

Background: There is increasing evidence that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the processes of preeclampsia (PE). Circ_0030042 was found to be abnormally expressed in PE patients. However, the role and molecular mechanism of circ_0030042 in PE progression remains unclear.

Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR was used for determining the expression of circ_0030042, microRNA (miR)- 942-5p and lipopolysaccharide induced TNF-α factor (LITAF). Trophoblast cell functions were determined using cell counting kit 8 assay, EdU assay, flow cytometry and transwell assay. The protein levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers and LITAF were examined using western blot analysis. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were used to verify RNA interaction.

Results: Circ_0030042 had an elevated expression in PE patients, and its overexpression inhibited trophoblast cell growth, invasion, and EMT process. Circ_0030042 served as miR-942-5p sponge, and miR-942-5p inhibitor also reversed the regulation of circ_0030042 on trophoblast cell growth, invasion and EMT process. LITAF was targeted by miR-942-5p, and its knockdown abolished the inhibition effect of miR-942-5p on trophoblast cell growth, invasion, and EMT process. Also, circ_0030042 regulated LITAF expression via sponging miR-942-5p.

Conclusion: Circ_0030042 regulated trophoblast cell growth, invasion, and EMT process via the miR-942-5p/LITAF axis, providing a novel insight for PE treatment.