CPSF4 regulates circRNA formation and microRNA mediated gene silencing in hepatocellular carcinoma

Oncogene. 2021 Jun;40(25):4338-4351. doi: 10.1038/s41388-021-01867-6. Epub 2021 Jun 8.

Abstract

CircRNAs play essential roles in various physiological processes and involves in many diseases, in particular cancer. Global downregulation of circRNA expression has been observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in many studies. Previous studies revealed that the pre-mRNA 3' end processing complex participates in circRNA cyclization and plays an important role in HCC tumorigenesis. Therefore, we explored the role of CPSF4, for 3' end formation and cleavage, in circRNA formation. Clinical research has shown that CPSF4 expression is upregulated in HCC and that high expression of CPSF4 is associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Mechanistic studies have demonstrated that CPSF4 reduces the levels of circRNAs, which possess a polyadenylation signal sequence and this decrease in circRNAs reduces the accumulation of miRNA and disrupts the miRNA-mediated gene silencing in HCC. Experiments in cell culture and xenograft mouse models showed that CPSF4 promotes the proliferation of HCC cells and enhances tumorigenicity. Moreover, CPSF4 antagonizes the tumor suppressor effect of its downstream circRNA in HCC. In summary, CPSF4 acts as an oncogene in HCC through circRNA inhibition and disruption of miRNA-mediated gene silencing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinogenesis / genetics
  • Carcinogenesis / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Cleavage And Polyadenylation Specificity Factor / genetics*
  • Down-Regulation / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Gene Silencing / physiology
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor / physiology
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Heterografts / pathology
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • RNA, Circular / genetics*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics

Substances

  • CPSF4 protein, human
  • Cleavage And Polyadenylation Specificity Factor
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Circular