Circ_0004846 facilitates colorectal cancer progression through the miR-342-3p/CCND1 axis and serves as a prognostic biomarker

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a highly prevalent form of human cancer globally. Due to its younger age of onset and late diagnosis, novel biomarkers are needed to improve its prognosis. To investigate the prognostic value and molecular mechanism of circular RNA circ_0004846 in CRC progression. The GEO database was used to screen for differentially expressed circRNAs. A total of 134 CRC patients who underwent surgical resection were included. Kaplan-Meier, Cox regression, and Pearson’s were used for clinical value evaluation. The expression levels of circ_0004846, miR-342-3p, and CCND1 were quantified by RT-qPCR. The CCK-8, Transwell, and dual-luciferase reporter assays enabled the investigation of cell functions and regulatory relationships. circ_0004846 was identified from the GSE197991, and its upregulation was verified in both CRC tissues and cell lines. High circ_0004846 expression correlated with advanced clinical indicators and poor 5-year overall survival (HR = 4.052, 95% CI = 1.304–12.578, p = 0.016). Silencing circ_0004846 attenuated the proliferative, migratory, and invasive potential of CRC cells. Mechanistically, circ_0004846 worked as an endogenous sponge for miR-342-3p, relieving its inhibitory effect on CCND1. MiR-342-3p expression displayed a significant inverse correlation with both circ_0004846 and CCND1 levels. Rescue assays indicated that miR-342-3p inhibition abrogated the blunting effects of circ_0004846 silencing on CRC cell malignant behaviors. Moreover, these effects were reinstated when CCND1 was specifically silenced. circ_0004846 drives CRC progression through the miR-342-3p/CCND1 regulatory axis, and represents a promising prognostic indicator and therapeutic candidate for CRC management.