LAUSR

Hsa_circ_0084922 (circKIAA1429) has been confirmed to regulate the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to explore the role and mechanism of circKIAA1429 in HCC progression. Levels of circKIAA1429, miR-199b-5p, orthodenticle homeobox 1 (OTX1) were detected by qRT-PCR. Cell functions were measured using cell counting kit 8 assay, EdU staining, flow cytometry, wound healing assay and transwell assay. RNA interaction was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. Nude mice xenograft tumor model was performed in vivo experiments. CircKIAA1429 was substantially upregulated in HCC tissues and cells. CircKIAA1429 inhibition repressed the proliferation, migration and invasion and induced apoptosis of HCC cells. MiR-199b-5p was targeted by circKIAA1429, and miR-199b-5p inhibitor partly reversed the effects of circKIAA1429 silencing on cell functions. Moreover, miR-199b-5p could target OTX1, and OTX1 overexpression reverted the repressive impact of miR-199b-5p mimic on the malignancy of HCC cells. In addition, knockdown of circKIAA1429 decreased xenograft tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion circKIAA1429 might promote HCC progression via regulating miR-199b-5p/OTX1 axis.