LncRNA DCST1-AS1 accelerates the proliferation, metastasis and autophagy of hepatocellular carcinoma cell by AKT/mTOR signaling pathways

Crosstalk between Glycogen-Selective Autophagy, Autophagy and Apoptosis as a Road towards Modifier Gene Discovery and New Therapeutic Strategies for Glycogen Storage Diseases

Glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) are rare metabolic monogenic disorders characterized by an excessive accumulation of glycogen in the cell. However, monogenic disorders are not simple regarding genotype–phenotype correlation. Genes outside the major disease-causing locus could have modulatory effect on GSDs, and thus explain the genotype–phenotype inconsistencies observed in these patients. Nowadays, when the sequencing of all clinically relevant genes, whole human exomes, and even whole human genomes is fast, easily available and affordable, we have a scientific obligation to holistically analyze data and draw smarter connections between genotype and phenotype. Recently, the importance of glycogen-selective autophagy for the pathophysiology of disorders of glycogen metabolism have been described. Therefore, in this manuscript, we review the potential role of genes involved in glycogen-selective autophagy as modifiers of GSDs. Given the small number of genes associated with glycogen-selective autophagy, we also include genes, transcription factors, and non-coding RNAs involved in autophagy. A cross-link with apoptosis is addressed. All these genes could be analyzed in GSD patients with unusual discrepancies between genotype and phenotype in order to discover genetic variants potentially modifying their phenotype. The discovery of modifier genes related to glycogen-selective autophagy and autophagy will start a new chapter in understanding of GSDs and enable the usage of autophagy-inducing drugs for the treatment of this group of rare-disease patients.

PITPNA-AS1/miR-98-5p to Mediate the Cisplatin Resistance of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is the most deadly gastrointestinal malignancy with high incidence and mortality. Although, molecular mechanisms which drive gastric cancer progression are extensively investigated, the roles of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in gastric cancer growth and drug sensitivity remain unclear. Platinum is a mainstay to treat gastric cancer, and platinum resistance always leads to the local recurrence of gastric cancer. Therefore, it is important to identify biomarkers or therapeutic targets to sensitize gastric cancer to platinum. In this study, we employ noncoding RNA sequencing and found that lncRNA PITPNA-AS1 is overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues and associated with poor survival of gastric cancer patients. Kockdown of PITPNA-AS1 in gastric cancer cells significantly inhibited cell growth and triggered apoptotic cell death in gastric cancer cells. Also, cisplatin treatment could decrease PITPNA-AS1 levels in gastric cancer cells through inhibiting H3K27ac. Besides, PITPNA-AS1 is elevated in cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cells and tissues, PITPNA-AS1 knockdown could sensitize gastric cancer cells to cisplatin treatment. Furthermore, we identified that PITPNA-AS1 directly interacts and inhibits miR-98-5p. Therefore, PITPNA-AS1 could be served as a potential biomarkers and curative therapeutic targets for gastric cancer progression.

The Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Autophagy During Carcinogenesis

Macroautophagy (autophagy herein) is a cellular stress response and a survival pathway involved in self-renewal and quality control processes to maintain cellular homeostasis. The alteration of autophagy has been implicated in numerous diseases such as cancer where it plays a dual role. Autophagy serves as a tumor suppressor in the early phases of cancer formation with the restoration of homeostasis and eliminating cellular altered constituents, yet in later phases, autophagy may support and/or facilitate tumor growth, metastasis and may contribute to treatment resistance. Key components of autophagy interact with either pro- and anti-apoptotic factors regulating the proximity of tumor cells to apoptotic cliff promoting cell survival. Autophagy is regulated by key cell signaling pathways such as Akt (protein kinase B, PKB), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) involved in cell survival and metabolism. The expression of critical members of upstream cell signaling, as well as those directly involved in the autophagic and apoptotic machineries are regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Consequently, non-coding RNAs play a relevant role in carcinogenesis and treatment response in cancer. The review is an update of the current knowledge in the regulation by miRNA and lncRNA of the autophagic components and their functional impact to provide an integrated and comprehensive regulatory network of autophagy in cancer.

LncRNA KRT19P3 Is Involved in Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have already been taken as critical regulatory molecules in breast carcinoma (BC). Besides, the progression of BC is closely associated with the immune system. However, the relationship between lncRNAs and the tumor immune system in BC has not been fully studied. LncRNA KRT19P3 has been reported to inhibit the progression of gastric cancer. In the present study, we first discovered that KRT19P3 was downregulated in BC tissues compared with para cancer tissue. Then we showed that KRT19P3 could be used as a marker to differentiate BC from para cancer tissue. Increased expression of KRT19P3 markedly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion rate of BC cells in vitro and tumor growth of BC in vivo. Conversely, KRT19P3 knockdown by siRNA markedly promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion rate of BC cells after being transfected. Comparison of clinical parameters showed an inverse relationship between the expression of KRT19P3 and pathological grade. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was applied to reveal the positive rate of the expression of Ki-67, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and CD8 in BC tissues. Correlation analysis showed that Ki-67 and PD-L1 were inversely proportional to KRT19P3 but CD8 was directly proportional to KRT19P3. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that lncRNA KRT19P3 inhibits BC progression, and may affect the expression of PD-L1 in BC, which in turn affects CD8⁺ T (CD8 positive Cytotoxic T lymphocyte) cells in the immune microenvironment.

Integrated Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology to Establish the Action Mechanism of Qingrekasen Granule for Treating Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a clinical syndrome resulting from abnormal glomerular permeability, mainly manifesting as edema and proteinuria. Qingrekasen granule (QRKSG), a Chinese Uyghur folk medicine, is a single-flavor preparation made from chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), widely used in treating dysuria and edema. Chicory, the main component in QRKSG, effectively treats edema and protects kidneys. However, the active components in QRKSG and its underlying mechanism for treating NS remain unclear. This study explored the specific mechanism and composition of QRKSG on an NS rat model using integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology. First, metabolomics explored the relevant metabolic pathways impacted by QRKSG in the treatment of NS. Secondly, network pharmacology further explored the possible metabolite targets. Afterward, a comprehensive network was constructed using the results from the network pharmacology and metabolomics analysis. Finally, the interactions between the active components and targets were predicted by molecular docking, and the differential expression levels of the target protein were verified by Western blotting. The metabolomics results showed “D-Glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism” and “Alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism” as the main targeted metabolic pathways for treating NS in rats. AKT1, BCL2L1, CASP3, and MTOR were the core QRKSG targets in the treatment of NS. Molecular docking revealed that these core targets have a strong affinity for flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. Moreover, the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT1, p-mTOR, and CASP3 in the QRKSG group significantly decreased, while BCL2L1 increased compared to the model group. These findings established the underlying mechanism of QRKSG, such as promoting autophagy and anti-apoptosis through the expression of AKT1, CASP3, BCL2L1, and mTOR to protect podocytes and maintain renal tubular function.

Common Features in lncRNA Annotation and Classification: A Survey

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely recognized as important regulators of gene expression. Their molecular functions range from miRNA sponging to chromatin-associated mechanisms, leading to effects in disease progression and establishing them as diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Still, only a few representatives of this diverse class of RNAs are well studied, while the vast majority is poorly described beyond the existence of their transcripts. In this review we survey common in silico approaches for lncRNA annotation. We focus on the well-established sets of features used for classification and discuss their specific advantages and weaknesses. While the available tools perform very well for the task of distinguishing coding sequence from other RNAs, we find that current methods are not well suited to distinguish lncRNAs or parts thereof from other non-protein-coding input sequences. We conclude that the distinction of lncRNAs from intronic sequences and untranslated regions of coding mRNAs remains a pressing research gap.

HIST3H2A is a potential biomarker for pancreatic cancer: A study based on TCGA data

ABSTRACT

The family of histone H2A proved that there are a lot of variants associated with cancer development. The link between HIST3H2A and pancreatic cancer has never been noted before. Our research suggests that HIST3H2A affects pancreatic tumor immune process and prognosis of patients, through the JAK STAT pathway, so it is expected to become the biomarker of pancreatic cancer.Gene expression profiles and clinical data of pancreatic cancer patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA) and The Genotype Tissue Expression (GETx) project. R software (Rx64 3.6.0) was utilized to analyze. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to analyze HIST3H2A related signaling pathways in pancreatic cancer. CIBERSORT is applied to estimate the compositional patterns of the 22 types of immune cell fraction based on bulk expression data.HIST3H2A was expressed at higher in pancreatic cancer tissues than normal pancreatic tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis suggested that the level of HIST3H2A expression affect prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. Univariate Cox analysis and Multivariate Cox analysis suggested that HIST3H2A expression is a prognostic factor of pancreatic cancer. Cor expression analysis indicated that the genes positively correlated with HIST3H2A expression trend were DCST1-AS1, HIST1H2BD, SLC12A9-AS1. GSEA showed that the JAK-STAT signaling pathway was enriched in the HIST3H2A high expression phenotype, whereas intestinal network for IgA production, Asthma and Chemokine signaling pathway were enriched in the HIST3H2A low expression phenotype. In additional, results showed that CD8 T cells (P = .007), activated CD4 memory T cells (P = .001), and monocytes (P = .002) were more abundant in lower HIST3H2A expression groups.HIST3H2A is a promising biomarker for predicting prognosis of pancreatic cancer, and it could be a potential therapeutic target. HIST3H2A might regulate the progression of tumor immune in pancreatic cancer through modulating the JAK-STAT pathway. In addition, the role HIST3H2A in pancreatic cancer may be related to DCST1-AS1, HIST1H2B, SLC12A9-AS1. However, more research is necessary to validate findings.

The Nucleus/Mitochondria-Shuttling LncRNAs Function as New Epigenetic Regulators of Mitophagy in Cancer

Mitophagy is a specialized autophagic pathway responsible for the selective removal of damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria by targeting them to the autophagosome in order to maintain mitochondria quality. The role of mitophagy in tumorigenesis has been conflicting, with the process both supporting tumor cell survival and promoting cell death. Cancer cells may utilize the mitophagy pathway to augment their metabolic requirements and resistance to cell death, thereby leading to increased cell proliferation and invasiveness. This review highlights major regulatory pathways of mitophagy involved in cancer. In particular, we summarize recent progress regarding how nuclear-encoded long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) function as novel epigenetic players in the mitochondria of cancer cells, affecting the malignant behavior of tumors by regulating mitophagy. Finally, we discuss the potential application of regulating mitophagy as a new target for cancer therapy.

LncRNA DCST1-AS1 Promotes Endometrial Cancer Progression by Modulating the MiR-665/HOXB5 and MiR-873-5p/CADM1 Pathways

Dysregulation of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is implicated in the initiation and progression of various tumors, including endometrial cancer (EC). However, the mechanism of lncRNAs in EC tumorigenesis and progression remains largely unexplored. In this work, we identified a novel lncRNA DC-STAMP domain-containing 1-antisense 1 (DCST1-AS1), which is highly upregulated and correlated with poor survival in EC patients. Overexpression of DCST1-AS1 significantly enhanced EC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro and promoted tumor growth of EC in vivo. Mechanistically, DCST1-AS1 mediated EC progression by inducing the expression of homeobox B5 (HOXB5) and cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1), via acting as a competing endogenous RNA for microRNA-665 (miR-665) and microRNA-873-5p (miR-873-5p), respectively. In addition, we found that the expression of miR-665 and miR-873-5p was significantly downregulated, while HOXB5 and CADM1 expression levels were increased in EC tissues. Taken together, our findings support the important role of DCST1-AS1 in EC progression, and DCST1-AS1 may be used as a prognostic biomarker as well as a potential therapeutic target for EC.

lncRNA DCST1-AS1 Facilitates Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Promoting M2 Macrophage Polarization through Activating NF-κB Signaling

lncRNAs are related to the progression of various diseases, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which is a common squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Tumor-associated macrophages and tumor cells are significant components of tumor microenvironment. M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages is a crucial actor in tumor malignancy and metastasis. In this study, we studied the molecular mechanism of lncRNA DCST1-AS1 in OSCC. Here, we reported that DCST1-AS1 was significantly increased in OSCC cells. We found that loss of DCST1-AS1 obviously inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells and xenograft tumor growth. Meanwhile, silencing of DCST1-AS1 also repressed the percentage of macrophages expressing M2 markers CD206 and CD11b. DCST1-AS1 shRNA enhanced the percentage of macrophages expressing M1 markers CD80 and CD11c. Then, we observed that loss of DCST1-AS1 suppressed OSCC progression via inactivating NF-κB signaling. As well established, NF-κB signaling exerts critical roles in tumor progression, and our study proved that DCST1-AS1 could regulate NF-κB signaling. We proved that blocking the NF-κB pathway using antagonists greatly downregulated OSCC progression and M2 macrophage polarization induced by the overexpression of DCST1-AS1. To sum up, we reported that DCST1-AS1 plays an important role in modulating OSCC tumorigenicity and M2 macrophage polarization through regulating the NF-κB pathway.

Epigenetic Regulation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression through the mTOR Signaling Pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer, is an aggressive tumor with a high mortality rate because of the limited systemic and locoregional treatment modalities. The development and progression of HCC depend on epigenetic changes that result in the activation or inhibition of some signaling pathways. The mTOR signaling pathway is essential for many pathophysiological processes and is considered a major regulator of cancer. Increasing evidence has shown that epigenetics plays a key role in HCC biology by regulating the mTOR signaling pathway. Therefore, epigenetic regulation through the mTOR signaling pathway to diagnose and treat HCC will become a very promising strategy.

SLC16A1-AS1 enhances radiosensitivity and represses cell proliferation and invasion by regulating the miR-301b-3p/CHD5 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common type of human malignancies, leads to increasing incidence and fairly high mortality. An increasing number of studies have verified that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) played key roles in the development of multiple human cancers. As a biomarker, SLC16A1-AS1 has been reported in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Thus, we decided to investigate whether SLC16A1-AS1 exerts its biological function in HCC. In this study, we discovered that SLC16A1-AS1 was obviously downregulated in HCC tissues and cells. Overexpression of SLC16A1-AS1 inhibited HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process as well as promoted cell apoptosis. Moreover, SLC16A1-AS1 was confirmed to enhance the radiosensitivity of HCC cells. Molecular mechanism exploration suggested that SLC16A1-AS1 served as a sponge for miR-301b-3p and CHD5 was the downstream target gene of miR-301b-3p in HCC cells. Rescue assays implied that CHD5 knockdown could recover the effects of SLC16A1-AS1 overexpression on HCC cellular processes. In brief, our study clarified that SLC16A1-AS1 acted as a tumor suppressor in HCC by targeting the miR-301b-3p/CHD5 axis, which may be a promising diagnostic biomarker and provide promising treatment for HCC patients.

Lnc-ATG9B-4 aggravates progress of hepatocellular carcinoma through cell proliferation and migration by upregulating CDK5

Long noncoding RNAs play an important role in the occurrence, invasion, as well as metastasis of various human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Long noncoding RNAs can affect the biological functions of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating various genes; however, only a small fraction of molecular mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs have been elucidated. In the present study, lnc AC010973.1 (lnc-ATG9B-4) was first identified by microarray analysis from 8 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and confirmed by quantitative PCR in 176 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. We demonstrated that lnc-ATG9B-4 was tightly relative to the tumorous size, TNM stages, portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT), the tumor capsule, metastasis, degree of differentiation, and poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma according to long-term follow-up data. In hepatocellular carcinoma cells, overexpression of lnc-ATG9B-4 promoted proliferation, invasion, as well as migration, while inhibiting lnc-ATG9B-4 by siRNA significantly attenuated the proliferation, invasion, as well as migration. Interestingly, lnc-ATG9B-4 increased the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), which was closely related to the development and chemotherapy sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma. In summary, our results revealed that lnc-ATG9B-4 suggests an unfavorable prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and facilitates the proliferation, invasion, as well as migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by upregulating CDK5. This research suggests that lnc-ATG9B-4 may be a new biomarker for predicting the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma; meanwhile, targeting lnc-ATG9B-4 might serve as a potential strategy for the treatment hepatocellular carcinoma.

LncRNA DCST1-AS1 regulates proliferation and apoptosis of rectal cancer cells by targeting miR-874-3p

BACKGROUND

Some long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be abnormally expressed in rectal cancer (RC) and may be involved in tumorigenesis and development. The expression of lncRNA DCST1-AS1 is upregulated in tumors, but its mechanism of action in the development and progression of RC has not been elucidated. It was hypothesized that the expression level of DCST1-AS1 is increased in RC cells and it may promote tumorigenesis and development.

AIM

To investigate the effects of DCST1-AS1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of RC cells and the potential mechanism.

METHODS

The levels of DCST1-AS1 and miR-874-3p in 30 RC tissues and adjacent tissues were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RC SW1463 cells were divided into different groups and transfected with si-NC, si-DCST1-AS1, miR-NC, miR-874-3p, pcDNA, pcDNA-DCST1-AS1, si-DCST1-AS1 + anti-miR-NC, and si-DCST1-AS1 + anti-miR-874-3p, respectively. The proliferation and apoptosis of SW1463 cells in each group were measured by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot analysis was carried out to measure the expression levels of CyclinD1, p21, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) proteins in SW1463 cells. The targeting relationship between DCST1-AS1 and miR-874-3p was validated using a dual-luciferase reporter assay system.

RESULTS

Compared with tumor adjacent tissues, the level of lncRNA DCST1-AS1 in RC tissues was remarkably increased (P < 0.05), while the level of miR-874-3p was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with the si-NC and miR-NC groups, cell proliferation and CyclinD1 and Bcl-2 protein levels were reduced in the si-DCST1-AS1 group and miR-874-3p group, while the apoptosis rate and levels of p21 and Bax were increased. LncRNA DCST1-AS1 targeted and negatively regulated the expression of miR-874-3p. Compared with the si-DCST1-AS1 + anti-miR-NC group, cell proliferation and CyclinD1 and Bcl-2 protein levels in the si-DCST1-AS1 + anti-miR-874-3p group were increased, while cell apoptosis rate and p21 and Bax protein levels were decreased.

CONCLUSION

LncRNA DCST1-AS1 regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of SW1463 cells by targeting miR-874-3p. DCST1-AS1 may be a potential molecular target for RC.

Inhibition of HIF1A-AS1 promoted starvation-induced hepatocellular carcinoma cell apoptosis by reducing HIF-1α/mTOR-mediated autophagy

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a major health burden in China considering its high incidence and mortality. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were found playing vital roles in tumor progression, suggesting a new way of diagnosis and prognosis prediction, or treatment of HCC. This study was designed to investigate the role of HIF1A-AS1 during the progression of HCC and to explore its related mechanisms.

METHODS

The expression of HIF1A-AS1 was detected in 50 paired carcinoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues by quantitative real-time PCR assay. HCC cell apoptosis was induced by nutrient-deficient culture medium and detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometer assays. HIF1A-AS1 inhibition in HCC cells was accomplished by small interfering RNA transfection.

RESULTS

HIF1A-AS1 was overexpressed in HCC tissues and was associated with tumor size, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis. Compared with the low HIF1A-AS1 group, the high HIF1A-AS1 group had a shorter overall survival and a worse disease-free survival. HIF1A-AS1 expression was significantly higher in HCC cell lines (7721 and Huh7) than that in normal hepatocyte cell line L02 under normal culture condition. However, under nutrient-deficient condition, HIF1A-AS1 expression was significantly increased in both HCC and normal hepatocyte cell lines and was increased with the prolongation of nutrient-free culture. Inhibition of HIF1A-AS1 promoted starvation-induced HCC cell apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of HIF1A-AS1 could also reduce starvation-induced HCC cell autophagy. The expression of HIF-1α and phosphorylated mTOR was significantly decreased in HCC cells after HIF1A-AS1 inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

HIF1A-AS1, overexpressed in HCC and associated with HCC prognosis, could regulate starvation-induced HCC cell apoptosis by reducing HIF-1α/mTOR-mediated autophagy, promoting HCC cell progression.

In vivo and in vitro studies using Clonorchis sinensis adult-derived total protein (CsTP) on cellular function and inflammatory effect in mouse and cell model

Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) can induce a food-borne parasitic disease (clonorchiasis). Numerous studies have analyzed functional proteins, immunologic factors, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and cell signaling transduction that promote the development of clonorchiasis. In a previous study, it was shown that C. sinensis adult-derived total protein (CsTP) might be involved in the pathogenesis and development of liver fibrosis via bringing about Th2 immune response. In the present study, further investigation of CsTP on cellular function and inflammatory effect in vitro and in vivo has been elicited. CsTP induced inflammation and autophagy as evidenced by upregulation of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and autophagic markers LC3B and P62. Exposed to CsTP upregulated the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 expression, diminished the apoptosis induced by H₂O₂, but promoted the proliferation and migration of LX-2 cells in proper concentration range. Additionally, the protein levels of p-AKT and p-mTOR were repressed in response to CsTP, suggesting a correlation of blocking the activation of mTOR/AKT signaling pathway. These results revealed that CsTP might exacerbate hepatic pathological changes by regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation in the liver and LX-2 cells. Some effects might be partially involved in the mTOR and AKT pathways.

LncRNA DCST1-AS1 Was Upregulated in Endometrial Carcinoma and May Sponge miR-92a-3p to Upregulate Notch1

Introduction

The functions of DCST1-AS1 have been investigated in liver cancer, while its role in endometrial carcinoma (EC) remains hardly known. This study aimed to analyze the role of DCST1-AS1 in EC.

Methods

Paired EC and non-tumor tissue samples were obtained from 62 EC patients. These patients were followed up for 5 years since their admission to record their survival conditions. HEC-1 cells were transfected with DCST1-AS1, Notch1 vectors, miRNA negative control or miR-92a-3p mimic. Luciferase activity was measured. QPCR and Western blot were applied to determine the RNA level and protein expression, respectively. The invasion and migration of HEC-1 cells were analyzed by Transwell assay.

Results

We in this study found that DCST1-AS1 was upregulated in EC. Survival analysis revealed that high levels of DCST1-AS1 expression predicted poor survival of EC patients. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that miR-92a-3p may bind DCST1-AS1 and the interaction between them was further confirmed by dual-luciferase activity assay. However, overexpression of miR-92a-3p and DCST1-AS1 failed to affect the expression of each other. Moreover, DCST1-AS1 overexpression led to upregulated Notch1 and increased cancer cell invasion and migration rates. Overexpression of miR-92a-3p played an opposite role and attenuated the effects of DCST1-AS1 overexpression.

Discussion

DCST1-AS1 is downregulated in EC and may sponge miR-92a-3p, thereby promoting cancer cell invasion and migration.