CircPTPRM accelerates malignancy of papillary thyroid cancer via miR-885-5p/DNMT3A axis

Abstract

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in carcinogenesis, including papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Despite of previous reports regarding the high expression of circPTPRM in PTC, the role and regulatory mechanism remain to be investigated. Methods: CircPTPRM and miR-885-5p expression were examined, and the effects on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were also measured. Immunoblotting was performed to evaluate DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated proteins. Results: CircPTPRM was overexpressed in PTC tissues and cell lines, which predicted poor prognosis. CircPTPRM inhibition significantly alleviated the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities. It was subsequently confirmed that circPTPRM competed with miR-885-5p for DNMT3A binding. CircPTPRM promoted PTC progression via miR-885-5p/DNMT3A signal axis. Conclusion: Our data elucidated that circPTPRM may play an oncogenic role in PTC through circPTPRM/miR-885-5p/DNMT3A axis.