Long non-coding RNA LOXL1-AS1 acts as a ceRNA for miR-324-3p to contribute to cholangiocarcinoma progression via modulation of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1.

Accumulating evidence has appreciated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as novel prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in malignant carcinomas. Here, we aim to investigate the value of a novel cancer-related lncRNA, LOXL1-AS1, in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). LOXL1-AS1 was found overexpressed in CCA tissues screened by high-throughput sequencing technology. Upregulation of LOXL1-AS1 was identified by TCGA database and qRT-PCR analysis. Additionally, upregulation of LOXL1-AS1 was associated with lymph node invasion, advanced TNM stages and unfavorable prognosis. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments were conducted and validated that LOXL1-AS1 could facilitate cell proliferation, migration and invasion and attenuate cell apoptosis. Moreover, luciferase reporter and rescue assays indicated that LOXL1-AS1 functioned as a ceRNA to elevate ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) level by sponging miR-324-3p and exhibited the malignant phenotypes of CCA cells, thereby playing an oncogenic role in CCA. Taken together, this study reveals that LOXL1-AS1 might act as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for CCA clinical application.