Long non‑coding RNA UCA1 enhances cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion by regulating microRNA‑299‑3p expression

Abstract

The long non-coding RNA, urothelial cancer-associated 1 (UCA1) is an important regulator in several tumors. However, to the best of our knowledge, the clinical roles of UCA1 in cervical cancer remain unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the function and mechanism of UCA1 in cervical cancer. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis was performed to detect UCA1 and microRNA (miR)-299-3p expression in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. The Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays were performed to assess cell proliferation and invasion, respectively. Furthermore, the dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the association between UCA1 and miR-299-3p. Rescue experiments were performed to determine the mechanism of the UCA1/miR-299-3p axis. The results demonstrated that UCA1 expression was upregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, overexpression of UCA1 enhanced the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells, the effects of which were reversed following UCA1 knockdown. Notably, UCA1 interacted with miR-299-3p and negatively regulated miR-299-3p expression. In addition, miR-299-3p expression was downregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-299-3p suppressed the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells, reversing the effects of UCA1 knockdown on cervical cancer cell proliferation. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that UCA1 promotes cell proliferation and invasion by regulating miR-299-3p expression in cervical cancer.

lncRNA UCA1 promotes tumor progression by targeting SMARCD3 in cervical cancer

“…According to the published articles, increasing evidence has demonstrated the underlying mechanisms and functions of lncRNAs at multiple regulatory levels 42 . Many existing articles indicated that UCA1 acts as a microRNA (miRNA) sponge 43–46 . Under this mechanism, UCA1 functions as an endogenous mimic target of miRNAs, resulting in the regulation of mRNA which is affected by miRNAs.…”

“…42 Many existing articles indicated that UCA1 acts as a microRNA (miRNA) sponge. [43][44][45][46] Under this mechanism, UCA1 functions as an endogenous mimic target of miRNAs, resulting in the regulation of mRNA which is affected by miRNAs. Nevertheless, numerous studies fall short of identifying the targeted miRNA or the location of UCA1, with substantial miRNA data retrieved from databases.…”

The Role of Urothelial Cancer-Associated 1 in Gynecological Cancers

“…This was also accomplished in the SiHa cell line through the inhibition of miR-299-3p. The downregulation of miR-299-3p and subsequent tumor development caused by UCA1 overexpression were obvious in the CC tissues, as well [ 72 ].…”

Long non-coding RNAs as critical regulators and novel targets in cervical cancer: current status and future perspectives

“…They regulate proliferation, metastasis and invasion through different axis and through the suppression of specific miRNAs. UCA1 enhances cell proliferation and tissue invasion by upregulating KIF20A (Kinesin family member 20 A) expression via miR-204 sponging and via regulation of miR-299-3p expression [ 32 , 33 ]. Some recent studies have reported UCA1/miR-493-5p/HK2 (Hexokinase 2) axis interplay in the modulation of glycolytic pathway.…”

“…4. tissue invasion by upregulating KIF20A (Kinesin family member 20 A) expression via miR-204 sponging and via regulation of miR-299-3p expression [32,33]. Some recent studies have reported UCA1/miR-493-5p/HK2 (Hexokinase 2) axis interplay in the modulation of glycolytic pathway.…”