CircRNF10-DHX15 interaction suppressed breast cancer progression by antagonizing DHX15-NF-κB p65 positive feedback loop

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is a common threat to women. The continuous activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway contributes to the development of BC. This study aimed to investigate the role of a circular RNA (circRNF10) in BC progression and regulating NF-κB signaling pathway. METHODS: Bioinformatics analysis, RT-qPCR, subcellular fractionation, FISH, RNase R treatment, and actinomycin D assay were used to explore the expression and characteristics of circRNF10 in BC. The biological functions of circRNF10 in BC were analyzed by MTT assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, and Transwell assay. RNA pulldown and RIP assay were used to identify the interaction between circRNF10 and DEAH (Asp-Glu-Ala-His) box helicase 15 (DHX15). The impact of circRNF10-DHX15 interaction on NF-κB signaling pathway was explored by western blot, IF, and co-IP. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter assay, ChIP, and EMSA were performed to assess the effect of NF-κB p65 on DHX15 transcription. RESULTS: CircRNF10 was downregulated in BC, and lower expression of circRNF10 was related to poor prognosis of patients with BC. CircRNF10 inhibited the proliferation and migration of BC. Mechanically, circRNF10-DHX15 interaction sequestered DHX15 from NF-κB p65, thereby inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. On the other hand, NF-κB p65 enhanced DHX15 transcription by binding to the promoter of DHX15. Altogether, circRNF10 impaired the DHX15-NF-κB p65 positive feedback loop and suppressed the progression of BC. CONCLUSION: CircRNF10-DHX15 interaction suppressed the DHX15-NF-κB p65 positive feedback loop, thereby inhibiting BC progression. These findings provide new insights in the continuous activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and raised potential therapeutic approach for BC treatment. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11658-023-00448-7.