Hsa_circ_0071589 promotes carcinogenesis via the miR-600/EZH2 axis in colorectal cancer.

Previous studies have revealed that miRNAs and lncRNAs participate in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC); however, whether circular RNAs (circRNAs) are also involved remains unclear. In the present study, qRT-PCR was used to examine the expression of hsa_circ_0071589, miR-600, and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in CRC. MTT assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay, and wound-healing assay were performed to assess the effects of hsa_circ_0071589, miR-600, and EZH2 on CRC cell viability, proliferation, invasion, and migration. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay, and RIP assay were used to explore the correlations among hsa_circ_0071589, miR-600, and EZH2 expression in CRC cells. The results showed that hsa_circ_0071589 expression was significantly higher in CRC tissues than in normal tissues. Blockage of hsa_circ_0071589 in CRC cells inhibited tumor growth, invasion and migration. Hsa_circ_0071589 was able to promote the expression of EZH2 by acting as a sponge of miR-600. In addition, miR-600 expression was negatively correlated to hsa_circ_0071589 expression in CRC tissues. These results demonstrated that the hsa_circ_0071589/miR-600/EZH2 axis may play critical regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of CRC and may serve as a novel therapy target in CRC.