Long non-coding RNA Dleu2 affects proliferation, migration and invasion ability of laryngeal carcinoma cells through triggering miR-16-1 pathway.

OBJECTIVE

Laryngeal cancer is a common malignant tumor in the head and neck, which affects swallowing, breathing, and pronunciation function. In recent years, many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to be involved in the progression of cancer with the development of gene sequencing, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics. LncRNA Dleu2 is a cancer-related lncRNA that down-regulates tumor progression in a variety of cancers. However, its possible effects and related signaling pathway in the development of laryngeal cancer are not clear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Real-time PCR was applied to test lncRNA Dleu2 and microRNA-16-1 (miR-16-1) expressions in laryngeal carcinoma tissues. LncRNA Dleu2 and miR-16-1 levels were over-expressed by transfection. Cell proliferation was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell migration was evaluated by using wound-healing assay. Cell invasion was determined by using transwell assay.

RESULTS

LncRNA Dleu2 and miR-16-1 levels were significantly declined in the laryngeal carcinoma tissue compared to para-carcinoma tissue (p < 0.05). LncRNA Dleu2 and miR-16-1 up-regulation significantly reduced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Ago-miR16-1 transfection significantly enhanced the luciferase activity of wild-type Dleu2 compared to control group (p < 0.05), suggesting their interaction with each other.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA Dleu2 influences the proliferation, migration, and invasion of laryngeal cancer cells through miR-16-1. Therefore, lncRNA Dleu2 and miR-16-1 may serve as potential biomarkers and targets for laryngeal cancer diagnosis and treatment.