Upregulation of lncRNA DANCR functions as an oncogenic role in non-small lung cancer by regulating miR-214-5p/CIZ1 axis.

OBJECTIVE

Lung cancer has an unfavorable prognosis due to the lack of efficient diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Therefore, this study sought to figure out the effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) DANCR on lung cancer progression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

LncRNA DANCR and miR-214-5p expressions in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were detected by Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Function assays, including Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometric analysis were conducted to clarify the role of DANCR and miR-214-5p in the progression of NSCLC. Western blot, Dual-Luciferase reporter assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIP) were performed to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

LncRNA DANCR was upregulated in NSCLC. The knockdown of lncRNA DANCR inhibited cell proliferation and accelerated cell apoptosis in NSCLC. LncRNA DANCR interacted with miR-214-5p. MiR-214-5p over-expression partially reversed the regulatory effects of DANCR on proliferation and apoptosis in NSCLC. In addition, CIZ1 was the downstream gene binding miR-214-5p. LncRNA DANCR could regulate the miR-214-5p/CIZ1 axis.

CONCLUSIONS

Downregulation of lncRNA DANCR inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in NSCLC by regulating the miR-214-5p/CIZ1 axis. LncRNA DANCR may act as an oncogene and promote the progression of NSCLC.