Circular RNAs Play Key Role in Gastric Cancer Progression

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology have made significant discoveries about the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in gastric cancer. The study found that hsa_circ_0013729, a specific circRNA, is significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and plays a crucial role in promoting cancer progression. The researchers also identified the miR-361-3p/MEF2D axis and HNRNPUL1/MEF2D axis as key regulatory pathways involved in gastric cancer.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified hsa_circ_0013729 as a dysregulated circRNA in gastric cancer, with significant upregulation in cancer tissues.
  • The researchers used RNA-Seq profiles from GSE194384 and GSE184882 to analyze the expression of hsa_circ_0013729 in gastric cancer specimens and adjacent para-tumor gastric tissues.
  • The study found that hsa_circ_0013729 interacted with HNRNPIL1 to stabilize MEF2D mRNA, promoting gastric cancer progression.
  • The miR-361-3p/MEF2D axis and HNRNPUL1/MEF2D axis were identified as key regulatory pathways involved in gastric cancer.
  • Hsa_circ_0013729 was found to have potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

Statistics:

  • The ROC-AUC value for hsa_circ_0013729 as a diagnostic biomarker was 0.94 (95% confidence interval: 0.9149 to 0.9718; p < 0.001).
  • The study analyzed 116 gastric cancer specimens and adjacent para-tumor gastric tissues.
  • The researchers used two RNA-Seq profiles, GSE194384 and GSE184882, to analyze gene expression.

Sources:

  • Hsa_circ_0013729 Promotes Gastric Cancer Progression by Regulating MEF2D in ceRNA- and RBP- Dependent Manners. Biochemical Genetics, 2025.
  • Shaofei Chen et al. "Hsa_circ_0013729 Promotes Gastric Cancer Progression by Regulating MEF2D in ceRNA- and RBP- Dependent Manners." Biochemical Genetics, 2025, 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013, USA. Springer|plenum Publishers.
  • Shaofei Chen, Dept. of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, People's Republic of China.