Hsa_circRNA_102051 regulates colorectal cancer proliferation and metastasis by mediating Notch pathway

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of hsa_circRNA_102051 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its effect on the stemness of tumor cells. METHODS: CircRNA microarray was under analysis to screen differentially expressed novel circRNAs in the pathology of CRC. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the relative RNA expression in CRC cells and samples. The effects of hsa_circRNA_102051 on biological functions in CRC cells were accessed both in vitro and in vivo. FISH, RIP and luciferase reporter assay were conducted to confirm the regulatory correlations between hsa_circRNA_102051 and miR-203a, as well as miR-203a and BPTF. Xenograft models were applied to further verify the impacts and fluctuations of hsa_circRNA_102051/miR-203a/BPTF. Moreover, the mechanism how hsa_circRNA_102051 affected the Notch signals was also elucidated. RESULTS: Hsa_circRNA_102051 was up-regulated in CRC tissues and cell lines, capable to promote the growth and invasion of CRC. In addition, hsa_circRNA_102051 could enhance stemness of CRC cells. BPTF was identified as downstream factors of hsa_circRNA_102051, and miR-203a was determined directly targeting both hsa_circRNA_102051 and BPTF as an intermediate regulator. Hsa_circRNA_102051 in CRC could block miR-203a expression, and subsequently activated BPTF. Hsa_circRNA_102051/miR-203a/BPTF axis modulated stemness of CRC cells by affecting Notch pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provided new clues that hsa_circRNA_102051 might be a potential predictive or prognostic factor in CRC, which induced the fluctuation of downstream miR-203a/BPTF, and subsequently influenced tumor growth, activities and stemness. Thereinto, the Notch signals were also involved. Hence, the hsa_circRNA_102051/miR-203a/BPTF axis could be further explored as a therapeutic target for anti-metastatic therapy in CRC patients. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-023-03026-1.