Future studies should validate the proposed direct interactions between Cx43 and hsa_circ_0077755 and miR-182 by overexpressing hsa_circ_0077755 and examining its effect on miR-182 and Cx43 in this 3D culture model. Notably, studies by our group are underway to investigate whether candidate miRNA over-expression, including miRNA-182/183 cluster and other Lebanese-specific dysregulated miRNAs, might recapitulate tumor-initiation phenotypes seen upon Cx43 loss. The gene discussed is GJA1; the disease is neoplasm.