Circular RNA AKT3 governs malignant behaviors of esophageal cancer cells by sponging miR-17-5p

Figure 3 RHOC and STAT3 were modulated by the circular RNA AKT3/miR-17-5p axis. A: Schematic of the miR-17-5p binding sites in wild-type (WT) RHOC and the mutant (Mut) RHOC (up). Luciferase reporter assay was performed in HEK-293T cells to determine the binding ability between miR-17-5p and RHOC (down); B: Schematic of the miR-17-5p binding site in WT STAT3 and the Mut STAT3 (up). Luciferase reporter assay was performed in HEK-293T cells to determine the binding ability between miR-17-5p and STAT3 (down); C and D: The expression of RHOC (C) and STAT3 (D) in tissue samples; E and F: The expression of RHOC (E) and STAT3 (F) in indicated cell lines; G and H: Protein level of RHOC and STAT3 in TE-1 cells with indicated transfection. ^bP < 0.01; ^cP < 0.001. circAKT3: Circular RNA AKT3; HEEC: Human normal esophageal epithelial cell line; NC: Negative control; OE: Overexpression.