CircRNA hsa_circ_0001627 aggravates cervical cancer progression through upregulation of FNDC3B and activating PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway

Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are key regulators in the development and progression of human cancers. However, the biological roles and mechanisms of circRNAs in gastric cancer (GC) remain largely unknown. Analyzing circRNA microarray dataset (GSE102686) and clinical specimens, a novel circRNA termed hsa_circ_0001627, was identified and it was highly expressed in CC cancerous tissues and cells, and was associated with poor clinical outcomes. Functionally, hsa_circ_0001627 silencing impaired the malignant progression of CC cells and the growth of CC xenografts in nude mice. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0001627 acted as a miR-1225-5p sponge, thus indirectly regulating FNDC3B and leading to the activation of PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway. Collectively, the present study indicates that hsa_circ_0001627 regulates miR-1225-5p/FNDC3B/PI3K/mTOR axis and functions as an oncogene in CC progression, suggesting the potential therapeutic use of hsa_circ_0001627 in CC treatment.