Hsa_circ_0003489 Drives PTX Resistance of Human NSCLC Cells Through Modulating miR-98-5p/IGF2

BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) demonstrated critical roles within developing tumors and treatment resistance in an increasing body of research. The aim was to look into the functions and processes of hsa_circ_0003489 in the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) paclitaxel (PTX) resistance. METHODS: NSCLC cell-based cultures including A549 and H460 were employed for such an investigation. hsa_circ_0003489, miR-98-5p, and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) expression-profiles were evaluated with a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The PTX resistance was determined using MTT assay, and the ELISA test measured IGF2 expression. Facilitating corroboration for miR-98-5p relation and hsa_circ_0003489 or IGF2, a dual-luciferase reporter method was applied. RESULTS: The hsa_circ_0003489 level was raised in cells and tissues from PTX-resistant (PR) NSCLC. In PR NSCLC cells, hsa_circ_0003489 knockdown reduced PTX resistance. For the purpose of the mechanism study, hsa_circ_0003489 knockdown substantially reduced IGF2 expression via miR-98-5p sponging, improving PTX sensitivity in PR NSCLC. CONCLUSION: Through miR-98-5p/IGF2 axis control, hsa_circ_0003489 knockdown helped NSCLC overcome PTX resistance, suggesting a potential circRNA-targeted therapy for the disease.