LncRNA PITPNA‐AS1/miR‐223‐3p/PTN axis regulates malignant progression and stemness in lung squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a kind of molecule that cannot code proteins, and their expression is dysregulated in diversified cancers. LncRNA PITPNA-AS1 has been shown to act as a tumor promoter in a variety of malignancies, but its function and regulatory mechanisms in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) are yet unknown. Methods:The mRNA and protein expression of genes were examined by RT-qPCR, western blot, and IHC assay. The cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness were detected through CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell and spheroid formation assays. The CD44 + and CD166 + -positive cells were detected through flow cytometry.The binding ability among genes through luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. The tumor growth was detected through in vivo nude mice assay. Results:The lncRNA PITPNA-AS1 had increased expression in LUSC and was linked to a poor prognosis. In LUSC, PITPNA-AS1 also enhanced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness. This mechanistic investigation showed that PITPNA-AS1 absorbed miR-223-3p and that miR-223-3p targeted PTN. MiR-223-3p inhibition or PTN overexpression might reverse the inhibitory effects of PITPNA-AS1 suppression on LUSC progression, as demonstrated by rescue experiments. In addition, the PITPNA-AS1/miR-223-3p/PTN axis accelerated tumor development in vivo. Conclusions: It is the first time we investigated the potential role and ceRNA regulatory mechanism of PITPNA-AS1 in LUSC. The data disclosed that PITPNA-AS1 upregulated PTN through sponging miR-223-3p to enhance the onset and progression of LUSC. These findings suggested the ceRNA axis may serve as a promising therapeutic biomarker for LUSC patients.

A cuproptosis-associated long non-coding RNA signature for lung squamous cell carcinoma prognosis and immunotherapy

“…For example, Zhang et al discovered that lncRNA BBOX1-AS1 can promote LUSC proliferation and migration [ 44 ]. According to Peng et al [ 45 ], the lncRNA PITPNA-AS1/miR-223-3p/PTN axis modulates the advancement of LUSC. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a cuproptosis-associated lncRNA model to predict the survival outcome and immune response of LUSC patients.…”

Hypoxia-mediated activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in triple-negative breast cancer: A review

“…Important regulators of cancer and development are noncoding RNAs. [52] Through controlling HIF-1α, several of these noncoding RNAs can support biological functions associated with tumors, including cell survival, tumor spread, immunological evasion, and metabolic reprogramming. [53][54][55] In recent years, noncoding RNAs which regulate HIF-1α have been extensively investigated; but their exploration in TNBC is restricted, and some of the mechanisms are yet unclear.…”