{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Circular RNA circLIFR suppresses papillary thyroid cancer progression by modulating the miR-429/TIMP2 axis.
{Author}: Zhang F;Li J;Xu J;Jiang X;Chen S;Nasser QA;
{Journal}: J Cancer Res Clin Oncol
{Volume}: 150
{Issue}: 6
{Year}: 2024 Jun 25
{Factor}: 4.322
{DOI}: 10.1007/s00432-024-05839-7
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their important roles in various cancers, including papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The specific mechanisms by which the circLIF receptor subunit alpha (circLIFR, hsa_circ_0072309) influences PTC progression remain largely unknown.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>In our study, CircLIFR, miR-429, and TIMP2 levels were assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The roles of circLIFR and miR-429 in PTC cells were determined using Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays. Western blotting was utilized to examine the levels of TIMP2. The direct interaction between circLIFR, TIMP2, and miR-429 was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation, and fluorescence in situ hybridization assays.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>In PTC tissues and cells, a decrease in circLIFR and TIMP2 levels, accompanied by an increase in miR-429 levels, was observed. Overexpression of circLIFR or downregulation of miR-429 effectively suppressed the proliferation and migration of PTC cells. Conversely, the knockdown of circLIFR or overexpression of miR-429 had the opposite effect. Furthermore, circLIFR overexpression suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, circLIFR modulated TIMP2 expression by serving as a sponge for miR-429. Rescue experiments indicated that the antitumor effect of circLIFR could be reversed by miR-429.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>This study confirmed circLIFR as a novel tumor suppressor delayed PTC progression through the miR-429/TIMP2 axis. These findings suggested that circLIFR held promise as a potential therapeutic target for PTC.