LncRNA LINC01123 promotes malignancy of ovarian cancer by targeting hsa-miR-516b-5p/VEGFA

Abstract

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in the development of ovarian cancer (OC).

Objective: The study aimed to determine the role of LncRNA LINC01123 in OC bio-progression, which is upregulated in OC tissues during OC progression.

Methods: Bioinformatics methods, GEPIA, and qRT-PCR were used to reveal the level and correlation of LINC01123, hsa-miR-516b-5p, and VEGFA, in OC cell lines. MTT, EdU, TUNEL, and Transwell assays were performed to assess the bioactivity of OC cell. Target sites of LINC01123 and hsa-miR-516b-5p were predicted using Starbase, and the potential linkage points of VEGFA and hsa-miR-516b-5p were predicted using TargetScan. These sites and linkage points were confirmed by double luciferase reporter assay.

Results: LINC01123 was upregulated in OC cell lines and LINC01123 silencing suppressed the proliferation and metastasis of OC cells, but promoted cell apoptosis. hsa-miR-516b-5p was linked to LINC01123 and. VEGFA was downstream of hsa-miR-516b-5p. Importantly, silencing of hsa-miR-516b-5p reversed the inhibitory impact of si-LINC01123. The result of hsa-miR-516b-5p inhibitor + si-LINC01123 co-transfection were rescued by si-VEGFA.

Conclusion: LINC01123 promotes OC development by dampening miR-516b-5p function, and may be a novel target for treating OC.

Keywords: Hsa-miR-516b-5p; LINC01123; Long non-coding RNA; Ovarian cancer; VEGFA.