Long noncoding RNA DSCAM-AS1 functions as an oncogene in non-small cell lung cancer by targeting BCL11A.

OBJECTIVE

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted more attention for their role in tumor progression recently. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of DSCAM-AS1 in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to elucidate its possible underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

DSCAM-AS1 expression in both NSCLC cells and tissue samples was detected by Real Time quantitative-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Moreover, the association between the DSCAM-AS1 expression level and patients' overall survival rate was explored. Furthermore, wound healing assay and transwell assay were conducted. In addition, RT-qPCR and Western blot assay were used to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

DSCAM-AS1 expression level in NSCLC samples was significantly higher than that of the corresponding normal tissues. The expression level of DSCAM-AS1 was associated with an overall survival time of NSCLC patients. Besides, the migration and invasion abilities of NSCLC cells were remarkably promoted after DSCAM-AS1 overexpression in vitro. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression of BCL11A was significantly upregulated after the overexpression of DSCAM-AS1. Furthermore, the expression of BCL11A was positively correlated with DSCAM-AS1 expression in NSCLC tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed that DSCAM-AS1 could enhance NSCLC cell migration and invasion via upregulating BCL11A. Furthermore, DSCAM-AS1 might be a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC.