TGF-β-activated circRYK drives glioblastoma progression by increasing VLDLR mRNA expression and stability in a ceRNA- and RBP-dependent manner

• Published in: Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research
• Main Authors: Yuhang Wang, Binbin Wang, Wenping Cao, Xiupeng Xu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2024-03-01
• Subjects: Glioblastoma; TGF-β; circRNA; VLDLR
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-024-03000-3

Abstract Background The TGF-β signalling pathway is intricately associated with the progression of glioblastoma (GBM). The objective of this study was to examine the role of circRNAs in the TGF-β signalling pathway. Methods In our research, we used transcriptome analysis to search for circRNAs that were activated by TGF-β. After confirming the expression pattern of the selected circRYK, we carried out in vitro and in vivo cell function assays. The underlying mechanisms were analysed via RNA pull-down, luciferase reporter, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Results CircRYK expression was markedly elevated in GBM, and this phenotype was strongly associated with a poor prognosis. Functionally, circRYK promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and GSC maintenance in GBM. Mechanistically, circRYK sponges miR-330-5p and promotes the expression of the oncogene VLDLR. In addition, circRYK could enhance the stability of VLDLR mRNA via the RNA-binding protein HuR. Conclusion Our findings show that TGF-β promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and GSC maintenance in GBM through the circRYK-VLDLR axis, which may provide a new therapeutic target for the treatment of GBM.