METTL3-mediated m6A modification of circRNF220 modulates miR-330-5p/survivin axis to promote osteosarcoma progression

BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms of circRNF220s in osteosarcoma (OS) are not well understood. METHODS: The abundances of circRNF220, miR-330-5p, and survivin were determined using qRT-PCR. To assess the m6A accumulation in circRNF220, a methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (Me-RIP) assay was conducted. Cellular multiplication, motility, and invasion were examined using the cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), EdU, colony formation, Transwell, and wound-healing assays. The binding relationships were measured through RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase reporter assays. In vivo functionality was assessed using xenograft models. RESULTS: CircRNF220 was identified as being overexpressed in both OS cells and tissues. In vitro experiments demonstrated that silencing circRNF220 impeded the proliferation, invasion, and motility of OS cells. Similarly, in vivo studies confirmed that downregulating circRNF220 inhibited the growth of OS. Further mechanistic investigations unveiled that METTL3-modulated circRNF220 regulated the progression of OS by upregulating survivin expression through acting as a sponge for miR-330-5p. CONCLUSION: The modulation of METTL3-regulated circRNF220 has been found to promote the progression of OS by modulating the miR-330-5p/survivin axis. This novel finding suggests a potentially unique approach to managing OS. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00432-023-05455-x.