LAUSR

BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) possess key functions in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nonetheless, the actions of individual circRNAs in HCC remain undefined. METHODS circ_0031242, miR-944, and MAD2L1 expression were quantified by qRT-PCR. Transwell assay was utilized to examine cell invasion and migration. Glucose consumption and lactate production were measured to assess the impact on glycolysis. The relationships among circ_0031242, MAD2L1, and miR-944 were examined via luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS circ_0031242 was notably augmented in HCC. Loss of function of circ_0031242 hindered cell proliferation, invasion, migration, glycolysis, and promoted apoptosis, as well as impeding HCC tumor growth. circ_0031242 directly targeted miR-944. Inhibition of miR-944 counteracted the effects of si-circ_0031242 on HCC cells. Additionally, miR-944 was proved to directly target MAD2L1 in HCC cells. Moreover, the promotion of MAD2L1 was able to rescue the inhibition of high miR-944 expression on HCC cell progression. Meanwhile, circ_0031242 involved the post-transcriptional modulation of MAD2L1 through miR-944. CONCLUSION This study suggested that circ_0031242 regulated tumor cell progression and tumor growth through the miR-944/MAD2L1 axis in HCC.