Fig. 6. CircSNX5 RNA functions as miRNA sponge to regulate oral cancer progression.

A Differentially expressed genes in the control versus circSNX5 knockdown comparison were illustrated in a heatmap representation, and the expression value was displayed according in a color scale bar. B, C The ADAM10 RNA and protein expression of control and knockdown SAS cells were analyzed by RT-qPCR analysis and Western blot assays, respectively. D–F ADAM10 vector was delivered into SAS knockdown cells, and the transfected cells were collected and subjected to protein expression assay, cell proliferation analysis, and colony formation assay. G The putative binding sequences for the proposed circSNX5-mediated miRNA sponge on ADAM10 mRNA were illustrated. H, I ADAM10 protein expression of the transfectants of SAS cells were analyzed by Western blot assays, GAPDH expression served as the loading control. J The reporter constructs were co-transfected with miR-323 mimic and circSNX5 plasmid, and transfected cells were harvested and subjected to luciferase reporter assays. K, L SAS cell proliferation and colony formation assays of the transfectants were analyzed by MTT method and crystal violet staining respectively. Colony images and quantified results were shown.