circRNA_0005927 inhibits gastric cancer metastasis by downregulating the miR-570-3p/FOXO3 axis.

[OBJECTIVE] This study aimed to explore the effects of circ_0005927 on proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in gastric cancer (GC) cells through its negative modulation of the miR-570-3p/FOXO3 axis.

[METHODS] The expression levels of circ_0005927, miR-570-3p, and FOXO3 in GC tissues and cells were measured using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Proliferation, colony formation, invasion, and EMT were assessed by MTT assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assay and western blotting, respectively. RNase R digestion and nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation were performed to evaluate the properties of circ_0005927. A dual luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the interaction between circ_0005927, miR-570-3p, and FOXO3.

[RESULTS] Circ_0005927 and FOXO3 expression were significantly lower in GC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues, while miR-570-3p was upregulated (all P<0.05). Low circ_0005927 and high miR-570-3p expression were associated with poor prognosis in GC patients (both P<0.05). In GC cells, circ_0005927 mediated FOXO3 expression by binding to miR-570-3p (P<0.05). Overexpression of circ_0005927 inhibited GC cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion and EMT, whereas overexpression of miR-570-3p or FOXO3 knockdown partially reversed these effects (all P<0.05).

[CONCLUSION] Circ_0005927 inhibits the proliferation, colony formation, invasion and EMT of GC cells through the upregulation of FOXO3, facilitated by the sequestration of miR-570-3p. Targeting the circ_0005927/miR-570-3p/FOXO3 axis may offer a promising therapeutic approach for GC.