CircPLK1 sponges miR-296-5p to facilitate triple-negative breast cancer progression

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> To investigate the role of circRNAs in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and the underlying mechanisms. <b>Materials & methods:</b> We performed circRNA microarrays to explore the expression profiles of TNBC cell lines. Experiments <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> were conducted to explore the effects of circPLK1 on tumor proliferation and metastasis as well as the interaction between circPLK1, miR-296-5p and <i>PLK1</i> in TNBC. <b>Results & conclusion:</b> CircPLK1 was significantly upregulated in TNBC and associated with poor survivals. CircPLK1 knockdown inhibited cell growth and invasion <i>in vitro</i> as well as tumor occurrence and metastasis <i>in vivo</i>. CircPLK1-miR-296-5p-<i>PLK1</i> axis regulates tumor progression by ceRNA mechanism in TNBC, indicating that circPLK1 may serve as a prognostic factor and novel therapeutic target for TNBC.