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Abstract Objective Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent cancers affecting men worldwide. However, the biological functions of circRNAs in PCa are still largely unknown. Methods Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were performed to characterize the circ-102004 expression in both human PCa tissues and cell lines. The apoptosis and cell cycle status of prostate immortalized cell lines that were overexpressed with circ-102004 by transfection was analyzed using flow cytometry. The scratch test and the Transwell assay were conducted to evaluate the ability of transfected cells to migrate and invade. RNA sequencing, pathway analysis, and Western blotting were performed to probe the associations of circ-102004 with the classical cancer signaling pathways after functionally evaluating circ-102004 in a xenograft tumor model. Results In the present study, circ-102004 expression was found to be significantly higher in PCa samples than in the matched normal tissues. In functional experiments, circ-102004 is shown to play an oncogenic role in PCa by stimulating cancer cell migration and invasion. Circ-102004 overexpression was also accompanied by significant alterations in many signaling pathways, such as ERK, JNK, and Hedgehog, which are known to cause different types of cancers. Conclusions Circ-102004 is a potential oncogenic gene that regulates the development and progression of PCa. This study provides a scientific basis for targeting circ-102004 for either diagnosis or therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most prevalent urological carcinomas with a low overall 5-year survival rate, and its prognosis remains dismal. circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been discovered to be important regulators in ccRCC. However, the specific regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs and their impact on phenotypes require further in-depth research. circRNA microarray sequencing analysis was used in this study to explore the expression pattern of circRNAs in ccRCC. circWSB1 was discovered, and we evaluated its derivation, potential diagnostic efficacy, and prognostic significance in ccRCC tissues. We discovered that circWSB1 is highly expressed in ccRCC. We identified that circWSB1 interacts with miR-182-5p and upregulates the expression of its host gene, WSB1. Through models in vivo and in vitro models, we found that circWSB1 increases WSB1 expression via the circWSB1/miR-182-5p/WSB1 axis, which promotes ccRCC cell proliferation and migration. The high expression of circWSB1 and WSB1 is correlated with poorer clinical prognosis and pathological grading. circWSB1 diminishes the inhibitory impact of miR-182-5p on WSB1 and increases WSB1 expression, thereafter promoting ccRCC development. Our findings provide a promising predictive biomarker and therapeutic target for ccRCC. • We discovered circWSB1, a novel circRNA that is preferentially expressed in ccRCC. • Silencing circWSB1 inhibits ccRCC cell proliferation and migration. • Increased WSB1 expression via the circWSB1/miR-182-5p/WSB1 axis promotes ccRCC advancement. • This research could lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets for ccRCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]