CircPDHX promotes prostate cancer cell progression in vitro and tumor growth in vivo via miR-497-5p/ACSL1 axis.

BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been proved could regulate many cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa). In this paper, we reconnoitered the roles of circRNA pyruvate dehydrogenase complex component X (circPDHX) in PCa. METHODS: The circPDHX, microRNA (miR)-497-5p and acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 1 (ACSL1) contents were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was measured by cell counting kit-8 assay, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay, and colony formation assay. Cell migration was examined by wound healing assay. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry assay. The ELISA kits were applied to quantify the fatty acid metabolites. Furthermore, the interplay between miR-497-5p and circPDHX or ACSL1 was detected by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. The role of circPDHX in PCa was supplementary substantiated in vivo. RESULTS: CircPDHX and ACSL1 contents were upregulated, and the miR-497-5p level was downregulated in PCa. CircPDHX deficiency attenuated PCa cell proliferation, migration, and fatty acid metabolites, while intensified cell apoptosis. CircPDHX bound to miR-497-5p to adjust ACSL1. Moreover, miR-497-5p inhibited the PCa progression by regulating ACSL1. In the meantime, circPDHX deficiency repressed PCa tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSION: CircPDHX stimulated PCa development via miR-497-5p/ACSL1, which presented a new thought for PCa treatment.