A novel circRNA, hsa_circ_0069382, regulates gastric cancer progression.

Aberrant expression of circRNAs is closely associated with the progression of gastric cancer; however, the specific mechanisms involved remain unclear. Our aim was to identify new gastric cancer biomarkers and explore the molecular mechanisms of gastric cancer progression. Therefore, we analyzed miRNA and circRNA microarrays of paired early-stage gastric cancer samples. Our study identified a new circRNA called hsa_circ_0069382, that had not been reported before and was expressed at low levels in gastric cancer tissues. Our study also included bioinformatics analyses which determined that the high expression of hsa_circ_0069382 regulated the BTG anti-proliferation factor 2 (BTG2)/ focal adhesion kinase (FAK) axis in gastric cancer lines by sponging for miR-15a-5p. Therefore, proliferation, invasion, and migration of gastric cancer is impacted. miR-15a-5p overexpression partially restored the effects of hsa_circ_0069382. This study provides potential new therapeutic options and a future direction to explore for gastric cancer treatment, and biomarkers.