Effect and mechanism of lncRNA HOTAIR on occurrence and development of gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed at looking for the lncRNA abnormally expressed in gastric cancer (GC) tissues, and analyzing the association of its expression level with the clinicopathological feature and patient prognosis. The biological function of this lncRNA in occurrence and development of GC was studied in vivo and in vitro. The underlying molecular mechanism was further discussed.

METHODS: We investigated the lncRNA expression level in GC tissues and normal gastric mucosa tissues by lncRNA chips analysis. The expression of lncRNA HOTAIR was detected by qRT-PCR. The relationship between HOTAIR expression level and prognosis was investigated by analyzing clinical samples. The influence of HOTAIR down-regulation on GC cell proliferation, chemosensitivity, apoptosis and invasion were determined by BrdU incorporation assay, flow cytometry analysis and transwell assay. Tumor xenograft model was developed to study the influence of down-regulated HOTAIR on tumor growth and metastasis.

RESULTS: lncRNA HOTAIR had an extremely high expression level in GC cells, and predicted poor prognosis in patients. Down-regulation of HOTAIR could promote chemosensitivity, induce apoptosis of GC cells, and significantly inhibit GC cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis in vivo and in vitro.

CONCLUSION: It was proved that HOTAIR played a positive role in GC occurrence and development according to the study in its mechanism, function and clinical manifestation, so that it could be expected to become a new target in GC prevention and treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.