Circular RNA hsa_circ_0032683 inhibits the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by sponging microRNA-338-5p

Recently, several studies have been conducted on circRNA (circular RNA). circRNA regulates gene expression and plays a vital role in the occurrence and development of various tumors. However, the role and mechanism of hsa_circ_0032683 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not studied yet. In GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database, hsa_circ_0032683 expression was significantly lower in HCC tissues than in normal liver tissues. In vitro and in vivo functional tests revealed that hsa_circ_0032683 could inhibit HCC cells proliferation and promote their apoptosis. Mechanically, hsa_circ_0032683 primarily exists in the cytoplasm and competes with microRNA-338-5p (miR-338-5p) to regulate reticulon 4(RTN4). Our experiments revealed that hsa_circ_0032683 receded the proliferation ability of HCC via ceRNA (competing endogenous RNAs) mechanism, which provided potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC patients.