Long Non-Coding RNA LINC00239 Functions as a Competitive Endogenous RNA by Sponging microRNA-484 and Enhancing KLF12 Expression to Promote the Oncogenicity of Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND

() is an oncogenic long non-coding RNA in acute myeloid leukemia. We aimed to determine expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) and examine the influences of on tumor behaviors of CRC cells. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the actions of in CRC was unveiled in detail.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect expression in CRC tissues and cell lines. CRC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were investigated by cell counting kit-8 assays, flow cytometry, and cell migration and invasion assays, respectively. Tumor xenograft experiments were performed to evaluate the tumor growth of CRC cells in vivo. The interactions among , microRNA-484 (miR-484), and () were analyzed by bioinformatics prediction, RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

was upregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines. knockdown impaired CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis in vitro. Additionally, deficiency inhibited CRC growth in vivo. Mechanistically, functioned as a competing endogenous RNA by directly sponging miR-484, thereby enhancing expression. Rescue experiments further corroborated that miR-484 inhibition or overexpression reversed the inhibitory actions of knockdown in CRC cells.

CONCLUSION

The LINC00239/miR-484/KLF12 pathway executed critical roles in CRC oncogenicity and may provide potential targets for CRC treatments.