Long Noncoding RNA KCNMB2-AS1 Increases ROCK1 Expression by Sponging microRNA-374a-3p to Facilitate the Progression of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

PURPOSE

The expression and roles of most long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain poorly understood. Thus, this study investigated antisense RNA 1 (KCNMB2-AS1) expression in NSCLC and determined the roles and mechanisms of in regulating NSCLC progression.

METHODS

expression in NSCLC tissues and cells was detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry, Transwell migration, and Transwell invasion assays, respectively. In vivo tumor xenograft models were constructed to assess tumorigenicity. Bioinformatics predictions were performed to identify microRNAs targeting . Interactions between and miR-374a-3p were analyzed using RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter, and rescue experiments.

RESULTS

levels were increased in NSCLC tissues and cells. silencing hindered NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis in vitro. Additionally, knockdown decreased tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, functioned as an endogenous miR-374a-3p sponge and increased (ROCK1) expression. Furthermore, increased miR-374a-3p/ROCK1 output attenuated silencing-induced inhibition of NSCLC progression.

CONCLUSION

The KCNMB2-AS1/miR-374a-3p/ROCK1 pathway drives NSCLC progression, suggesting that this pathway can be targeted to reduce NSCLC progression.