Implication of hsa_circ_0028007 in reinforcing migration, invasion, and chemo-tolerance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.

Background: Given the reliability of circRNAs in symbolizing cancer progression, this investigation was designed to expound the involvement of hsa_circ_0028007 in regulating chemosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells.

Methods: Altogether, 241 pairs of NPC tissues and para-cancerous normal tissues were collected to identify NPC-symbolic circRNAs, which have been screened by circRNA microarray in advance. Expressions of the circRNAs were determined by means of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Besides, human NPC cell lines (ie, CNE2 and HONE1) were transfected by si-hsa_circ_0028007 and si-NC. Scratch assay, transwell assay, and MTT assay were performed to assess migration, invasion, and paclitaxel/cisplatin-resistance of NPC cell lines.

Results: Hsa_circ_0028007 expression was abnormally heightened within NPC tissues in comparison with matched non-tumor tissues (P < .05). Over-expressed hsa_circ_0028007 was strongly associated with advanced (III-IV) tumor stage, aggressive infiltration, and metastatic lymph nodes of NPC patients (P < .05). Regarding in vitro experiments, hsa_circ_0028007 expression was elevated in CNE2 and HONE1 cell lines as compared with HENE cell line (P < .05). Silencing of hsa_circ_0028007 not merely sensitized CNE2 and HONE1 cells against paclitaxel and cisplatin (P < .05), but also significantly repressed migration and invasion of the cell lines (P < .05).

Conclusion: Hsa_circ_0028007 was involved in facilitating progression and chemo-resistance of NPC, which might offer an alternative for NPC treatment.