Profiling and bioinformatics analyses of differential circular RNA expression in prostate cancer cells

Abstract

Aim:

There is little knowledge about the expression profile and function of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods:

The expression profiles of circRNAs in RWPE-1, 22RV1 and PC3 cells were explored via high-throughput circRNAs sequencing and validated by real-time qPCR. The roles of differentially expressed circRNAs were evaluated by bioinformatics analyses.

Results:

Altogether 9545 circRNAs were identified and hundreds of differentially expressed circRNAs were recognized. CircRNA–miRNA networks analysis showed that many circRNAs, including circSLC7A6, circGUCY1A2 and circZFP57 could cross-talk with tumor-related miRNAs such as miR-21, miR-143 and miR-200 family.

Conclusion:

The results of our bioinformatics analyses suggested that circRNAs should play critical roles in the development and progression of PCa.

Lay abstract

The expression profile and role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in prostate cancer (PCa) is unknown. In this study, the profiling of circRNAs in PCa cells was explored and their potential function was predicted by bioinformatics analyses. In total, 9545 circRNAs and hundreds of differentially expressed circRNAs were identified. Bioinformatics analyses showed that circRNAs including circSLC7A6, circGUCY1A2 and circZFP57 could cross talk with tumor-related miRNAs. This indicated that circRNAs might play an important role in PCa and warrant further study.

Graphical abstract