Hsa_circ_0001640 inactivation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by targeting the MiR-942-5p/PTEN axis to inhibit the progression of non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the main pathological type of lung cancer with high morbidity and mortality. To identify specific biomarkers, we characterized aberrantly expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) in NSCLC. We found that hsa_circ_0001640 expression was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of hsa_circ_0001640 inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration, and promoted apoptosis in NSCLC cells.Dual-luciferase assays confirmed the interaction between hsa_circ_0001640 and miR-942-5p. Co-transfection of miR-942-5p with hsa_circ_0001640 partially reversed the effects of hsa_circ_0001640 overexpression on tumor cell biological behaviors. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0001640 inactivated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by targeting the miR-942-5p/PTEN axis, thereby suppressing NSCLC progression. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that overexpression of hsa_circ_0001640 suppressed the growth of xenograft tumors in mice.Our findings will provide a new marker and possible target for the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC.