Circular RNA circ_0020123 Promotes Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Progression Through miR-384/TRIM44 Axis

BACKGROUND: It was reported that circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) were related to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development. However, the detailed mechanisms of circ_0020123 and miR-384 in NSCLC are elusive. METHODS: QRT-PCR and Western blot assay were performed to detect the transcription and protein levels of genes, respectively. Then, the functional experiments, including MTT assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay, were employed. Besides, the interaction between miR-384 and circ_0020123 or tripartite motif‑containing protein 44 (TRIM44) was predicted by starbase or targetscan, and then verified by the dual-luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down assays and RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIP). Mouse xenograft assay was performed to evaluate the effect of circ_0020123 on tumor growth in vivo. RESULTS: Levels of circ_0020123 and TRIM44 were enhanced, and the miR-384 level was attenuated in NSCLC tissues and cells. Circ_0020123 depletion attenuated the abilities of NSCLC cell viability, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and induced apoptosis. Besides, circ_0020123 interacted with miR-384, and miR-384 targeted TRIM44. Circ_0020123 regulated cell progression by regulating miR-384 and subsequently mediated TRIM44 expression. Besides, circ_0020123 depletion repressed tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that circ_0020123 knockdown suppressed NSCLC cell progression by regulating the miR-384/TRIM44 axis, providing the theoretical basis for the therapy of NSCLC.