LAUSR

Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been well documented to regulate the gene expression via sponging microRNA (miRNA) in diverse neoplasms including gastric cancer (GC). Methods In the present study, the expressions of circ_0001023, miR-409-3p, and plant homeodomain finger 10 (PHF10) in GC tissues were detected by qRT-PCR. Chi-square test was performed to analyze the associations between circ_0001023 and pathological parameters. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay were adopted to detect the role of circ_0001023/miR-409-3p axis in the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of GC cells, respectively. The targeting relationship between circ_0001023 and miR-409-3p was investigated by dual-luciferase gene reporter gene assay. Additionally, subcutaneous xenotransplanted tumor model in nude mice was established to detect the function of circ_0001023 on GC growth in vivo. Results Compared with adjacent tissues, the expression of circ_0001023 was significantly upregulated and correlated with lymph node invasion and higher T stage of GC patients. It has also been proved that circ_0001023 could target miR-409-3p. Silencing circ_0001023 can impede the proliferation of GC cells and promote apoptosis, while miR-409-3p inhibitors can partially reverse the biological behavior of GC cells mentioned above. Moreover, the expression of circ_0001023 was reversely associated with miR-409-3p expression but positively correlated with PHF10, a downstream oncogene of miR-409-3p. Conclusion Collectively, it is concluded that circ_0001023 promotes the progression of GC via regulating miR-409-3p/PHF10 axis.