Curcumin suppresses lung cancer progression via circRUNX1 mediated miR‐760/RAB3D axis

BACKGROUND: Curcumin is a natural chemical component that has an anticancer effect. The aim of this study was to explore the potential molecular mechanism of curcumin regulating lung cancer (LC) progression. METHODS: The expression of circRUNX1, miR‐760 and Ras‐like GTPase 3D (RAB3D) was detected by qRT‐PCR. Cell proliferation were determined by CCK8 assay and colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected by flow cytometry, wound healing and transwell assays. Protein levels were examined by western blot (WB) analysis. RNA interaction was confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. LC xenograft tumors were constructed using BALB/c nude mice. RESULTS: CircRUNX1 was upregulated in LC and its expression could be inhibited by curcumin. Curcumin reduced LC cell proliferation, metastasis, and accelerate apoptosis, while circRUNX1 overexpression reversed these effects. MiR‐760 was confirmed to be a target of circRUNX1, which could reverse the effects of circRUNX1 on curcumin‐treated LC cell functions. RAB3D was a target of miR‐760, and its knockdown reversed the promotion effect of miR‐760 inhibitor on the progression of curcumin‐treated LC cells. CONCLUSION: Curcumin suppressed LC progression via circRUNX1/miR‐760/RAB3D axis.