Upregulation of long noncoding RNA DLX6-AS1 promotes cell growth and metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via targeting miR-577

S.-B. Wu, H.-Q. Wang

Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China. whq96177@126.com

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• Oncology

OBJECTIVE: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most malignant type of esophageal cancer. Although significant advances have been made in ESCC diagnosis and therapy, its poor pathogenesis and prognosis remain a life-threatening problem. Meanwhile, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert a pivotal function in tumorigenesis. In this research, we aimed to explore the association between the aberrant expression of lncRNA DLX6-AS1 and the development and metastasis of ESCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: DLX6-AS1 expression was monitored by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) in ESCC specimens. Moreover, experiments were conducted to detect the effect of DLX6-AS1 on the cell proliferation and metastasis of ESCC. In addition, the underlying mechanism was further explored through luciferase assays and RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIP).

RESULTS: DLX6-AS1 expression level was significantly higher in ESCC specimens. Moreover, cell proliferation and metastasis of ESCC cells could be inhibited via reducing DLX6-AS1 expression. Besides, DLX6-AS1 was regarded as an oncogene in ESCC. Furthermore, DLX6-AS1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA via sponging miR-577 in ESCC.

CONCLUSIONS: In summary, DLX6-AS1 promotes development and metastasis of ESCC by sponging miR-577 and could be a potential therapeutic target.

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