Enhanced expression of circ_0000735 forecasts clinical severity in NSCLC and promotes cell progression via sponging miR-1179 and miR-1182.

Although numerous dysregulated circular RNAs (circRNAs) was discovered, the study between circRNAs and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is just beginning. Here, we investigated the functions and provided a possible mechanism of circ_0000735 for NSCLC. Real-time PCR was used to elucidate the level of circ_0000735 in NSCLC tissue samples and cells. CCK8, colony formation, flow cytometric, and transwell experiments were carried out to evaluate cell proliferation, apoptosis, migratory and invasive abilities in NSCLC cell lines. Luciferase reporter assays were conducted to elucidate the mechanisms of circ_0000735 in NSCLC. Circ_0000735 was elevated in both NSCLC tissues and cells. This upregulation of circ_0000735 is associated with more advanced TNM stages and lymph node invasion. Gain and loss of function experiments documented that circ_0000735 significantly facilitated cell proliferation, migratory and invasive abilities and inhibit cell apoptosis. Moreover, we proved circ_0000735 could bound to miR-1179/1182 to exert its biological functions in NSCLC cells. Taken together, this work provided a possible treatment target for this devastating disease.