Long non-coding RNA NEAT1 absorbs let-7 g-5p to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colon cancer cells through upregulating BACH1

Zhenzhen Gao; Yu Shi; Jiawei Wang; Wei Li; Yi Bao; Dongjuan Wu; Yanhong Gu

doi:10.1016/j.dld.2021.04.031

Long non-coding RNA NEAT1 absorbs let-7 g-5p to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colon cancer cells through upregulating BACH1

Dig Liver Dis. 2021 Jul 5:S1590-8658(21)00216-4. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.04.031. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Zhenzhen Gao¹, Yu Shi², Jiawei Wang³, Wei Li³, Yi Bao⁴, Dongjuan Wu⁴, Yanhong Gu⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314000, zhejiang Province, China; Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China.
² Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China.
³ Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China.
⁴ Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314000, zhejiang Province, China.
⁵ Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China. Electronic address: GuYanhong1163@outlook.com.

PMID: 34238666
DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.04.031

Abstract

Objective: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical regulators in diverse human cancers. However, the role of lncRNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) in colon cancer remains to be further investigated. We aimed to verify the role of NEAT1/let-7 g-5p/BTB and CNC homology 1 (BACH1) axis in colon cancer development.

Methods: Expression of NEAT1, let-7 g-5p and BACH1 in colon cancer tissues and cells was determined. The interactions between NEAT1 and let-7 g-5p, and between let-7 g-5p and BACH1 were assessed. The colon cancer cell lines were treated with plasmids or oligonucleotides to alter NEAT1, BACH1 and let-7 g-5p expression. Then, viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of colon cells were evaluated, and the cell growth in vivo was observed as well.

Results: NEAT1 and BACH1 were upregulated while let-7 g-5p was downregulated in colon cancer tissues and cells. NEAT1/BACH1 silencing or let-7 g-5p elevation suppressed colon cancer cell growth in vivo and in vitro. The effects of silenced NEAT1 on colon cancer cells and xenografts were reversed by downregulating let-7 g-5p. Down-regulation of BACH1 reversed the effect of NEAT1 overexpression on colon cancer cells. NEAT1 directly bound to let-7 g-5p and let-7 g-5p targeted BACH1.

Conclusion: Downregulated NEAT1 elevated let-7 g-5p to suppress EMT of colon cancer cells through inhibiting BACH1. This research may contribute to treatment of colon cancer.

Keywords: Apoptosis; Btb and cnc homology 1; Colon cancer; Long non-coding rna nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1; Microrna let-7 g-5p; Proliferation.