Long noncoding RNA UCA1 promotes multiple myeloma cell growth by targeting TGF-β.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) UCA1 in the multiple myeloma (MM) development.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In samples of MM, the expression of UCA1 and TGF-β was investigated using real-time PCR. UCA1 lentiviral small hairpin RNA (shRNA) was transfected in MM cell lines. CCK-8 and colony formation assay were used to detect cell lines proliferation. The cell apoptosis assay was conducted to detect cell apoptosis. Western blot was utilized to detect the protein level of TGF-β.

RESULTS: The expression level of UCA1 increased in MM samples and cell lines, and its high expression was associated with poor MM prognosis. Downregulation of UCA1 significantly inhibited cell lines proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. UCA1 could positively regulate TGF-β in MM. Overexpression of TGF-β partially reversed the effect of UCA1 knockdown.

CONCLUSIONS: UCA1 promotes MM cell lines proliferation by targeting TGF-β.