SP1-induced lncRNA DANCR contributes to proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer.

Transcription factor SP1 could manipulate pathways involved in ovarian cancer progression. LncRNAs are involved in SP1-mediated tumorigenesis. LncRNA DANCR could promote metastasis of ovarian cancer. However, the regulatory function and involvement of SP1-induced lncRNA DANCR in ovarian cancer remain elusive. Data from this study showed that SP1 was up-regulated in ovarian cancer tissues and cells (CAOV3, SKOV3, A2780), and SP1 could bind to the promoter region of DANCR through chromatin immunoprecipitation and leuciferase activity assays. Therefore, DANCR was transcriptionally induced by SP1 in ovarian cancer tissues and cells (CAOV3, SKOV3, A2780). Functionally, reduced expression of DANCR suppressed cell viability, migration and invasion of CAOV3, while enhanced DANCR expression contributed to SKOV3 growth. Over-expression of SP1 reversed the suppressive effects of DANCR interference on ovarian cancer progression. In conclusion, SP1-induced DANCR contributed to oncogenic potential of ovarian cancer, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.