CircRNA hsa_circ_0003528/miR-215 is considered a potential target for predictive prognosis and therapy for triple-negative breast cancer

Within the subtypes of breast cancer pathologies, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits the highest degree of malignancy and unfavorable outcome, which has great significance in exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying TNBC. This study especially investigated the expression and function of hsa_circ_0003528 in TNBC.

The expression changes of hsa_circ_0003528 were identified from the GEO database (GSE101123) and validated by RT-qPCR. The clinical significance of hsa_circ_0003528 was evaluated using χ² tests and Kaplan-Meier curve analysis. Bioinformatic analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to identify the potential downstream miRNA of hsa_circ_0003528. The cellular experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of hsa_circ_0003528 or/and miR-215 on TNBC cells.

The hsa_circ_0003528 was selected from the circRNA profile in breast cancer obtained from the GSE101123 dataset. hsa_circ_0003528 expression levels were increased in breast cancer tissues, especially in TNBC tissues. The elevated expression of hsa_circ_0003528 was negatively associated with TNBC patients’ overall survival. Silencing of hsa_circ_0003528 hindered the proliferative potential, migration abilities, and invasive capacities of TNBC cells, while downregulation of miR-215 partially diminished the effects of si-hsa_circ_0003528 on TNBC cells.

hsa_circ_0003528 is upregulated in TNBC and can facilitate aggressive cellular behaviors by regulating miR-215 expression, hinting at its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target in the treatment of TNBC.