Circ_0001955 promotes non‐small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion by regulating MiR‐29a‐3p/NKIRAS2 axis to activate the nuclear factor‐κB pathway

Abstract

AbstractNon‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been widely reported to play a role in the pathogenesis of various tumors. Nevertheless, the function of circ_0001955 in NSCLC progression has not been explored yet. This study aims to explore the functions of circ_0001955 in NSCLC and investigate its regulatory molecular mechanism. First, we determined that circ_0001955 was upregulated in NSCLC cells. Subsequently, we demonstrated that knockdown of circ_0001955 restrained cell proliferation and invasion. In vivo experiments further proved the suppressive effect of circ_0001955 silence on tumor growth. Mechanism assays revealed that circ_0001955 enhanced nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) inhibitor interacting Ras‐like protein 2 (NKIRAS2) expression by sponging microRNA‐29a‐3p (miR‐29a‐3p). Upregulation of NKIRAS2 led to the deceased level of IκBβ but increased levels of nuclear p65, thus activating the NF‐κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, Circ_0001955 activates the NF‐κB pathway to promote NSCLC cell proliferation and invasion by regulating miR‐29a‐3p/NKIRAS2 axis.