Oncogenic RAS Regulates Long Noncoding RNA in Human Cancer.

RAS and its downstream cascades transmit cellular signals, resulting in increased transcription of genes involved in cell growth and division. Protein-coding gene targets of RAS signaling have been characterized extensively, but long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) regulated by these processes have not. Using a custom-designed lncRNA microarray, we identified the lncRNA as a genetic target of RAS that is critical for RAS oncogenicity. expression was regulated by RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling via the transcription factor AP1. was highly expressed in BRAF-mutant cancers, such as melanoma. Silencing of blocked tumor cell proliferation and growth and In addition, blockade reduced expression of cyclin E1 and induced G-S cell-cycle arrest in tumor cells. Taken together, our results identify as a novel, nonprotein mediator of RAS/RAF activation that may serve as a therapeutic target in RAS/RAF-driven cancers. .