Circular RNA FTO functions as a miR-314-3p sponge to regulate the growth and migration abilities of human retinal endothelial cells via up-regulating ZEB1

Abstract Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) belongs to the microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Circular RNAs are involved in PDR. The purpose of this research was to explore the specific mechanism of circFTO in PDR. circFTO expressions were prominently elevated in PDR patients and high glucose (HG) treated HRECs. Knockdown of circFTO suppressed the cell growth, migration and tube formation in the HG treated HRECs. Besides, miR-141-3p levels were decreased and ZEB1 levels were up-regulated in the HG treated HRECs. Dual-luciferase reporter results exhibited miR-141-3p bound to both circFTO and ZEB1. Additionally, miR-141-3p-silenced inverted the si-circFTO effects, and overexpression of ZEB1 reversd the miR-141-3p mimic effects. circFTO aggravated the progression of PDR via miR-141-3p/ZEB1 axi. circFTO may be a possible biomarker for PDR.