The upregulated RNA circ_0060055 regulates the proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells through spongy miR-1298-5p

In recent studies, circ_0060055, a newly identified circRNA with implications in oncology, was examined for its expression levels in pancreatic cancer cells versus normal pancreatic tissue, utilizing RT-qPCR. This circRNA was evaluated for its effects on cellular functions, including invasion, migration, proliferation, tube formation, vascular leakiness and apoptosis through a series of functional assays, both inhibitory and promotional. Moreover, investigations extended to in vivo studies. Findings suggest a strong association between circ_0060055 and enhanced cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities, alongside a notable reduction in apoptosis. Alterations in the expression levels of proteins that regulate apoptosis have been observed, characterized by elevated levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and diminished levels of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax. Additionally, through dual luciferase reporter assays and further qRT-PCR analyses, miR-1298-5p was identified as a direct interactor with circ_0060055, which in turn modulates miR-1298-5p levels, thereby acting as a molecular sponge. The findings highlight the critical influence of circ_0060055 on the progression of pancreatic cancer by regulating essential apoptotic proteins, suggesting it could serve as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.