Prognostic value and cellular function of hsa_circ_0001588 in breast cancer.

[BACKGROUND] As a frequently occurring malignant disorder in women, breast cancer (BC) is closely associated with circular RNAs (circRNAs) in mediating its pathological progression. Accumulating evidence suggests that hsa_circ_0001588 promotes BC via microRNA (miRNA) sponging.

[AIM] To investigate the expression dynamics, functional contributions, and molecular underpinnings of hsa_circ_0001588 in BC progression, focusing on its regulatory axis with miR-525-3p and .

[METHODS] Clinical BC tissues and cell lines were used to validate hsa_circ_0001588 expression via RT-qPCR. Cell proliferation was evaluated via MTT assay, whereas migration and invasion capacities were assessed using Transwell systems. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and RIP were implemented to validate the reciprocal interactions among hsa_circ_0001588, miR-525-3p, and . Rescue strategies involving miR-525-3p inhibition or overexpression were thereafter executed to validate the regulatory axis.

[RESULTS] Hsa_circ_0001588 exhibited elevated expression in BC tissues and cell lines, demonstrating positive associations with advanced TNM staging and unfavorable prognosis. Depletion of hsa_circ_0001588 impaired proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacities, as well as EMT in cells. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0001588 directly binds to miR-525-3p, relieving its repression on . The inhibitory effects resulting from the knockdown of hsa_circ_0001588 can be reversed by either inhibiting miR-525-3p or overexpressing .

[CONCLUSIONS] Hsa_circ_0001588 emerges as a critical regulator of BC malignancy by modulating the miR-525-3p/ axis. Its overexpression correlates with poor prognosis, positioning it as a promising diagnostic marker and actionable therapeutic target.

[SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION] The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-026-00920-0.