hsa-miR-9-5p Down-Regulates HK2 and Confers Radiosensitivity to Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to explore the effects of hsa-miR-9-5p on radiotherapy sensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by targeting hexokinase 2 (HK2). METHODS: The levels of hsa-miR-9-5 and HK2 in NPC patients and radiosensitive and resistant cells were determined using qRT-PCR. The dual luciferase reporter gene system was used to determine hsa-miR-9-5p targeting HK2. The level of HK2 expression in NPC were determined using qRT-PCR and western blotting after the administration of hsa-miR-9-5p agomir. The effects of hsa-miR-9-5p on proliferation and apoptosis with or without irradiation (IR) were examined using CCK-8, flow cytometry and colony formation assays. ((18)F)-Flourodeoxyglucose uptake was used to evaluate the growth of tumor with or without radiation therapy in vivo. RESULTS: hsa-miR-9-5p target to inhibit HK2. Moreover, the cell proliferation was seen in a decreased trend while the cell apoptosis increased in the hsa-miR-9-5p group following radiation therapy hsa-miR-9-5p also showed a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of tumor in vivo with radiation therapy. CONCLUSIONS: hsa-miR-9-5p improved the radiosensitivity of NPC by targeting HK2.