Linc01234 promotes cell proliferation and metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma via miR-433/PAK4 axis
Abstract Background: Mounting studies demonstrate long non-coding RNA s ( lncRNAs ) play an important role in tumor progression. However, the potential biological functions and clinical importance of Linc01234 in oral squamous cell carcinoma ( OSCC ) still remain unclear. Methods: We evaluated the expression profile and prognostic values of Linc01234 in OSCC tissues via RT-qPCR. Then, functional experiments in vitro were performed to investigate the effects of Linc01234 on tumor growth, migration and invasion in OSCC. Mechanistically, RT-qPCR, bioinformatic analysis and dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to identify a competitive endogenous RNA s ( ceRNA s) among Linc01234, miR-433-3p and PAK4. Results: We found that Linc01234 was evidently upregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines, and its level was positively associated with T stage, lymphnode metastasis, differentiation and poor prognosis of patients with OSCC. Our results found that Linc01234 inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis abilities in CAL27 and SCC25 cells following its deletion. Mechanistic analysis indicated that Linc01234 may act as a ceRNA (competing endogenous RNA) of miR-433-3p to relieve the repressive effect of miR-433-3p on its target PAK4. Conclusions: Our results indicated that Linc01234 promotes OSCC progression through Linc01234/miR-433/PAK4 axis and might be a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.