LncRNA AK077216 affects the survival of colorectal adenocarcinoma patients via miR-34a

Abstract

Background and study aims: It has been reported that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) AK077216 involves in osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Our preliminary data has revealed that AK077216 was downregulated in colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRA) and it was closely correlated with miR-34a. This study was carried out to explore the role of AK077216 in CRA with a focus on its interactions with miR-34a.

Patients and methods: Paired CRA and non-tumor tissues collected from 66 CRA patients were subjected to RNA preparations, followed by RT-qPCRs to determine the expression levels of AK077216 and miR-34a. The interactions between AK077216 and miR-34a were analyzed with overexpression assays. Transwell assays were carried out to explore the roles of AK077216 and miR-34a in regulating CRA cell invasion and migration.

Results: AK077216 was downregulated in CRA tissues compared to that in non-tumor tissues of CRA patients. During a 5-year follow-up, patients with lower expression levels of AK077216 in CRA tissues showed significantly lower overall survival. MiR-34a was upregulated in CRA tissues and inversely correlated with AK077216. Overexpression of AK077216 decreased the expression levels of miR-34a, while overexpression of miR-34a did not affect the expression of AK077216. Overexpression of AK077216 inhibited CRA cell migration and invasion, while overexpression of miR-34a accelerated cancer cell migration and invasion and attenuated the effects of overexpression on AK077216 on cell behaviors.

Conclusion: Therefore, AK077216 may inhibit CRA cell migration and invasion by downregulating miR-34a.

Keywords: AK077216; Cell migration and invasion; Colorectal adenocarcinoma; miR-34a.