Circ_0000732 promotes breast cancer cell proliferation, metastasis and stemness by targeting COL11A1 through the regulation of miR-1253

Background: Many studies have shown that abnormal circular RNA (circRNA) expression is associated with the malignant progression of breast cancer (BC), but the role of circ_0000732 in BC progression remains unclear. Methods: : The expression of circ_0000732, microRNA (miR)-1253 and collagen XI alpha 1 (COL11A1) was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion and stemness were assessed by cell counting kit 8 assay, Edu assay, transwell assay and sphere formation assay. Western blot analysis was used to determine protein expression. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to assess the interaction between miR-1253 and circ_0000732 or COL11A1. The effect of circ_0000732 on BC tumor growth was confirmed by animal experiments. Results: : Circ_0000732 was overexpressed in BC tissues and cells, and its knockdown suppressed BC cell proliferation, metastasis and stemness. MiR-1253 could be sponged by circ_0000732, and anti-miR-1253 overturned the effects of circ_0000732 knockdown on BC cell progression. COL11A1 was targeted by miR-1253, and miR-1253 inhibited BC cell progression by targeting COL11A1. Circ_0000732 could sponge miR-1253 to upregulate COL11A1. Also, interference of circ_0000732 decreased BC tumor growth by miR-1253/COL11A1 pathway. Conclusion: Our data showed that circ_0000732 might be a potential target for BC treatment, which could enhance BC malignant phenotype through miR-1253/COL11A1 axis.