LncRNA H19 serves as a ceRNA and participates in non-small cell lung cancer development by regulating microRNA-107.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether lncRNA H19 can regulate NF1 expression through competitive binding to microRNA-107, thereby participating in the occurrence and development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Expression levels of H19 and NF1 in NSCLC tissues, paracancerous tissues and NSCLC cell lines were detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The binding condition of microRNA-107, H19 and NF1 was detected by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Corresponding lentiviruses of H19 were constructed. The regulatory effects of H19 on proliferative and migratory abilities of A549 cells were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assay, respectively. Rescue experiments were conducted to explore the regulatory interaction between H19 and microRNA-107 in A549 cells.

RESULTS

H19 and NF1 were highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and NSCLC cell lines (A549 and HCC823) than those of controls. Overexpressed H19 increased proliferative and migratory abilities of A549 cells. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay demonstrated that H19 regulates NF1 expression through competitive binding to microRNA-107, thereafter participating in NSCLC development.

CONCLUSIONS

H19 is highly expressed in NSCLC, which promotes NSCLC development by regulating NF1 via competitive binding to microRNA-107.