LINC01094 Upregulates LIN28B Expression by Sponging miR-577 to Promote Pancreatic Cancer Proliferation and Metastasis

Abstract

Backgroud: The leading cause of death in pancreatic cancer (PC) patients is the progression of cancer metastasis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in regulating cancers, however its molecular basis in pancreatic cancer (PC) remains to be explored.Methods: In this study, bioinformatics methods are used to predict the potential pairs of lncRNAs in PC. The clinical significance of LINC01094 are determined by qRT-PCR and explored its correlation with clinicopathological parameters. The biological functions and potential mechanisms of LINC01094 in PC progression are studied in vivo and in vitro. Results: We observe that LINC01094 is markedly overexpressed in pancreatic tumors and is associated with poorer prognosis. Downregulation of LINC01094 decreases PC cell invasion and inhibits tumorigenesis and metastasis in mouse xenografts. LINC01094 acts as a sponge for miR-577, sequestering it and derepressing the expression of its endogenous target the RNA‐binding protein lin‐28 homolog B (LIN28B). Conclusions: Overall, LINC01094 upregulates LIN28B by sponging miR-577, thereby promoting PC proliferation and metastasis. This indicates that LINC01094 can be regarded as a new biomarker or therapeutic target for the treatment of PC.