Abstract

Background The altered long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), circular RNA (circRNA) and mRNA expression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) after pirarubicin (THP) treatment can be a critical factor in the development of tumor. Here, we identify a set of lncRNA, circRNA, and mRNA that can reveal the molecular target and molecular mechanism of THP, and can be used to predict the prognostic characteristics of TNBC. Methods Affymetrix GeneChip sequencing was performed to determine whether lncRNA, circRNA, and mRNA were changed in MDA-MB-231 cells after THP treatment, and qRT-PCR was used to verify the accuracy of GeneChip results. Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the differentially expressed (DE) lncRNA, circRNA and mRNA, and the co-expression network and ceRNA network were constructed. The STRING database, Kaplan–meier Mapper database, GEPIA database, and Tumor Immunity Estimation Resource were used to screen hub genes with clinical value and important significance. Results THP 5 μM could significantly inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells for 24 h. 1547 DE lncRNAs, 4992 DE circRNAs, and 5777 DE mRNAs were identified. The reliability of the GeneChip was verified by qRT-PCR. An mRNA-lncRNA/circRNA co-expression network was constructed based on the Pearson correlation coefficient. Finally, we established a new ceRNA network, including three circRNAs, five miRNAs, and three mRNAs. The mRNAs are associated with immune infiltration. The mRNAs and miRNAs are significantly associated with survival outcomes in TNBC. Conclusion The results reveal the molecular target and mechanism of THP treatment of TNBC. These ceRNA network can be used as molecular targets for the treatment of TNBC patients and as molecular biomarkers to predict patient prognosis.