Long Non-coding RNA Antisense Promotes Cell Proliferation and Invasion and Predicts Patient Prognosis in Serous Ovarian Cancer.

PURPOSE

The biological function of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is only partially understood; therefore, in this study, we investigated the expression of the novel antisense () lncRNA and its oncogenic role in serous ovarian cancer (SOC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

expression was examined in 129 SOC tissue samples by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Clinicopathological factors and patient survival were compared between the high (n=27) and low expression group (n=102). To investigate the role of in cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, expression in ovarian cancer cells was knocked down using RNA interference.

RESULTS

expression in cancer tissue was 77-fold higher than that of noncancerous tissue (p < 0.05). Higher expression was significantly correlated with histological grade (p=0.017) and preoperative cancer antigen 125 (p=0.048). overexpression in SOC cells led to increased cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Moreover, was associated with the expression of genes involved in cell invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), B-catenin, E-cadherin, Snail, Twist, and vimentin. Multivariate analysis revealed that was a prognostic factor of progressive disease and mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.730; p=0.043 and HR, 2.170; p=0.033, respectively). Progression-free and overall survival were significantly shorter in patients with high expression.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the clinical significance of to predicting the prognosis of SOC patients and suggest its potential in promoting tumor aggressiveness via regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), MMP-9, and EMT-related mechanisms.