LncRNA ADAMTS9-AS1 regulates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of esophageal cancer cells via miR-575/ CADM2.

BACKGROUND

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) ranks among the most lethal malignant neoplasms globally, representing a significant risk to public health.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigates the impact of lncRNA ADAMTS9-AS1 on the function of ESCC cells by targeting and regulating miR-575/CADM2 axis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

qPCR was employed to assess the expression of ADAMTS9-AS1, miR-575, and CADM2 in ESCC tissues and cells. Chi-square test was utilized to examine the association between ADAMTS9-AS1 and clinical indicators. Cox model was applied to identify risk factors of poor prognosis, and survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Furthermore, the effects of overexpressing ADAMTS9-AS1 alone and in conjunction with miR-575 were analyzed in ESCC cell lines, utilizing CCK-8 assays to evaluate cell proliferation, and Transwell assays to assess cell invasion and migration capabilities.

RESULTS

The study revealed that in ESCC tissues and cell lines, the expression levels of ADAMTS9-AS1 and CADM2 were decreased and exhibited a positive correlation, whereas the miR-575 was elevated and demonstrated a negative correlation with both molecules. The expression of ADAMTS9-AS1 was associated with TNM staging and lymph node metastasis, serving as a risk factor for poor prognosis. Overexpression ADAMTS9-AS1 could inhibit miR-575 expression, and suppress cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion. However, this inhibitory effect was reversed when miR-575 was concurrently overexpressed.

CONCLUSION

The targeting effect of ADAMTS9-AS1 on miR-575/CADM2 changes in ESCC cell function and further mediated the progression of ESCC. ADAMTS9-AS1 has the potential to be a prognostic biomarker and molecular target for ESCC.