Circ-RNF111 contributes to paclitaxel resistance in breast cancer by elevating E2F3 expression via miR-140-5p

Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been demonstrated to act as key regulators in the chemoresistance of human cancers, including breast cancer (BC). Here, we aimed to explore the role of circ-RNF111 in paclitaxel (PTX) resistance of BC. Methods Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to determine the expression of circ-RNF111, microRNA-140-5p (miR-140-5p) and E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) mRNA. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of PTX, cell viability, colony formation and cell invasion were assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay and transwell assay, respectively. Glucose consumption and lactate production were determined by specific kits. A murine xenograft model was established to investigate the role of circ-RNF111 in PTX resistance of BC in vivo. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were performed to verify the relationship between miR-140-5p and circ-RNF111 or E2F3. Western blot assay was conducted to examine the protein level of E2F3. Results Circ-RNF111 was upregulated in PTX-resistant BC tissues and cells. Circ-RNF111 knockdown restrained IC50 of PTX, cell viability, colony numbers, cell invasion and glycolysis in PTX-resistant BC cells in vitro and enhanced PTX sensitivity in vivo. MiR-140-5p was a target of circ-RNF111 and miR-140-5p expression was negatively correlated with circ-RNF111 expression in BC tissues. The effect of circ-RNF111 knockdown on PTX resistance was rescued by miR-140-5p deletion. Additionally, miR-140-5p could interact with E2F3 and negatively regulate E2F3 expression. Moreover, miR-140-5p suppressed IC50 of PTX, cell viability, colony numbers, cell invasion and glycolysis by targeting E2F3. Conclusions Circ-RNF111 improved PTX resistance of BC by upregulating E2F3 via sponging miR-140-5p.