hsa_circ_0000264 promotes tumor progression via the hsa‐let‐7b‐5p/ HMGA2 axis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

• Published in: Oral diseases Vol. 29; no. 7; pp. 2677 - 2688
• Main Authors: Xue, Feifei, Feng, Hongjie, Wang, Tianxiao, Feng, Guanying, Ni, Nan, Wang, Ruixia, Yuan, Hua
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malden Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.10.2023
• Subjects: Circular RNA; Fluorescence in situ hybridization; Head & neck cancer; Head and neck carcinoma; Localization; Squamous cell carcinoma; Wound healing
• ISSN: 1354-523X; 1601-0825
• DOI: 10.1111/odi.14399

Abstract Objective Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are involved in various tumors. However, their role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is unknown. CircRNA sequencing data showed that hsa_circ_0000264 is significantly upregulated in HNSCC tissues. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of hsa_circ_0000264 in HNSCC and elucidate its underlying regulation mechanism. Materials and Methods RNase R treatment was performed to confirm the loop structure of hsa_circ_0000264. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed to show the subcellular localization of hsa_circ_0000264. We then performed wound healing assay, Transwell assay, Western blot, and in vivo experiments to determine the effect of alterations in hsa_circ_0000264 expression. We performed RNA pull‐down and dual luciferase reporter assay to identify and confirm the binding sites in RNAs. Results hsa_circ_0000264 was upregulated in HNSCC tissues and cells, and its loop structure was confirmed. Knockdown of hsa_circ_0000264 inhibited the migration, invasion, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition of HNSCC cells in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_000026 upregulation can upregulate the expression of high mobility group AT‐hook 2 (HMGA2) by sponging hsa‐let‐7b‐5p, which in turn promotes HNSCC progression. Conclusion Our results showed that hsa_circ_0000264 promotes HNSCC progression via the hsa‐let‐7b‐5p/HMGA2 axis, and hsa_circ_0000264 can serve as a potential target for HNSCC treatment.