Circular RNA hsa_circ_0078607 suppresses ovarian cancer progression by regulating miR-518a-5p/Fas signaling pathway

BACKGROUND: Increasing researches have demonstrated the critical functions of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the progression of malignant tumors, including ovarian cancer. In this study, we aim to investigate abnormally expression of hsa_circ_0078607 and the role of hsa_circ_0078607 during ovarian cancer pathogenesis. METHODS: RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of circ_0078607 in ovarian cancer tissues. To determine the functional roles of circ_0078607 in ovarian cancer, cell proliferation and cell invasion assays were performed. Bioinformatics and luciferase reporter analysis were used to predict the target of circ_0078607. RESULTS: In the present study, we first found that circ_0078607 was downregulated in ovarian cancer. Forced circ_0078607 expression significantly suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. Mechanically, bioinformatics and luciferase reporter analysis identified miR-518a-5p as a direct target of circ_0078607, while Fas as a direct target of miR-518a-5p. MiR-518a-5p negatively regulated Fas in ovarian cancer cells, while overexpression of circ_0078607 could increase the expression of Fas inhibited by miR-518a-5p. Furthermore, overexpression of circ_0078607 could inhibit the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells caused by miR-518a-5p mimic. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study revealed that circ_0078607 suppressed ovarian cancer progression by sponging oncogenic miR-518a-5p to induce Fas expression, which may provide new therapeutic approach for ovarian cancer.