Upregulated circ_0002141 facilitates oral squamous cell carcinoma progression via the miR‐1231/EGFR axis

Objectives The dysregulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) is implicated in the progression of various cancers. This study was aimed at expounding the role and mechanism of hsa_circ_0002141 in the OSCC progression. Materials and Methods Circ_0002141 expression was examined in 52 pairs of OSCC tissues and matched adjacent tissue samples by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) assay. After circ_0002141 was overexpressed or knocked down in OSCC cell lines, cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay, Transwell assay, flow cytometry, and Western blotting were conducted to detect the changes in the growth, migration, invasion and apoptosis of OSCC cells. Western blot assay, qRT‐PCR and dual‐luciferase reporter assay were performed to clarify the interplay among circ_0002141, miR‐1231, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Results Circ_0002141 expression was significantly upregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines. Circ_0002141 overexpression markedly promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells whereas reduced the apoptotic of OSCC cells. Also, circ_0002141 knockdown suppressed the malignant characteristics of OSCC cells. EGFR was validated as the target of miR‐1231. Besides, circ_0002141 could sponge miR‐1231 and upregulate EGFR expression in OSCC cells. Conclusion Circ_0002141/miR‐1231/EGFR axis is involved in the progression of OSCC.