Hsa_circ_ROBO1 competes with miR-324-3p and upregulates NME1 to promote tumor metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract Background This work aims to explore circ_ROBO1’s function in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods circ_ROBO1 expression in NPC tissues and cell lines was measured. The regulation of circ_ROBO1 and/or miR-324-3p on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of NPC cells was investigated by functional experiments. The interplay between circ_ROBO1, miR-324-3p, and NME1 was explored. Tumor growth and metastasis were studied in mice. Results circ_ROBO1 was overexpressed in NPC. Knockdown of circ_ROBO1 repressed proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced apoptosis of NPC cells. Loss of circ_ROBO1 reduced tumor growth and metastasis in mice. circ_ROBO1 competed with miR-324-3p to upregulate NME1. Lowering miR-324-3p expression impaired the effect of knockdown of circ_ROBO1on NPC cells. Conclusion Overexpressed circ_ROBO1 promotes NPC development by modifying the miR-324-3p/NME1 axis.