Knockdown of circ_0075503 suppresses cell migration and invasion by regulating miR-15a-5p and KLF12 in endometriosis.

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease. Several researches have reported the dysregulated circular RNAs (circRNAs) in endometriosis, whereas the functions of circRNAs are largely unknown. This study aims to explore the role and mechanism of circ_0075503 in migration and invasion of eutopic endometrial stromal cells. 30 paired ectopic and eutopic endometrium tissues were collected from patients with endometriosis. And primary endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) were stimulated with estradiol (E2) to establish the in vitro cellular model of endometriosis. The levels of circ_0075503, miR-15a-5p and Krüppel-like factor 12 (KLF12) were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or western blot assays. Cell viability, migration and invasion were examined via 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide, transwell assay or western blot assays. The target relationship between miR-15a-5p and circ_0075503 or KLF12 was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Circ_0075503 expression was elevated in ectopic endometrium and ectopic ESCs. Down-regulation of circ_0075503 suppressed E2-induced promotion of cell viability, migration and invasion in eutopic ESCs. Circ_0075503 could act as a sponge for miR-15a-5p, and KLF12 was targeted by miR-15a-5p. Inhibition of miR-15a-5p reversed the effects of circ_0075503 knockdown on E2-treated ESCs migration and invasion. Besides, miR-15a-5p repressed E2-induced promotion effects on cell migration and invasion via targeting KLF12. Circ_0075503 could regulate KLF12 expression by sponging miR-15a-5p. Knockdown of circ_0075503 inhibited E2-induced enhancement of cell migration and invasion in eutopic ESCs by regulating miR-15a-5p/KLF12 axis, indicating a novel target for the treatment of endometriosis.