Circular RNA hsa_circ_0119412 contributes to tumorigenesis of gastric cancer via the regulation of the miR-1298-5p/zinc finger BED-type containing 3 (ZBED3) axis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are associated with the progression of gastric cancer (GC). This study investigates the regulation of the circular RNA, hsa_circ_0119412 in GC and its effects on GC cells. The expression of hsa_circ_0119412, microRNA (miR)-1298-5p, and zinc finger BED-type containing 3 (ZBED3) were measured by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry, transwell, and animal assays were performed to identify the roles of hsa_circ_0119412, miR-1298-5p, and ZBED3 in the viability, apoptosis, invasion, and growth of GC cells. The relationship between hsa_circ_0119412, miR-1298-5p, and ZBED3 was confirmed by luciferase, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and RNA pull-down assays. Our data revealed that hsa_circ_0119412 and ZBED3 expression was upregulated in GC, while miR-1298-5p expression was downregulated. Both the knockdown of hsa_circ_0119412/ZBED3 and miR-1298-5p overexpression inhibited GC cell growth and invasion, and enhanced cell apoptosis, while miR-1298-5p interference or ZBED3 overexpression showed the opposite trend. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0119412 sponges miR-1298-5p, which regulates ZBED3 expression. Silencing hsa_circ_0119412 inhibits the progression of GC, at least in part, by targeting the miR-1298-5p/ZBED3 axis.