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.