circCUX1 promotes neuroblastoma progression and glycolysis by regulating the miR-338-3p/PHF20 axis

Neuroblastoma (NB) is an extracranial solid malignancy in childhood. More and more studies have demonstrated that circRNAs are essential regulators of various tumors. This study conducted to explore the role mechanism circular RNA CUT-like homeobox 1 (circCUX1) NB. The levels circCUX1, miR-338-3p plant homeodomain finger protein 20 (PHF20) were detected by qRT-PCR or Western blot. Cell proliferation apoptosis evaluated colony formation assay, flow cytometry blot analysis. migration invasion examined via transwell assay. Glycolysis was expressed measuring extracellular acidification rate (ECAR). interaction among PHF20 validated dual-luciferase reporter assay Immunoprecipitation Besides, xenograft experiment performed assess tumor growth vivo. circCUX1 up-regulated, while down-regulated NB tissues cells. Knockdown suppressed progression glycolysis triggered regulating miR-338-3p. Additionally, down-regulation promoted targeting PHF20. Moreover, sponged regulate expression. Furthermore, silencing hindered depletion miR-338-3p/PHF20 axis, suggesting a potential biomarker for treatment.